Alexandra LeVoguer

About you

What work experience/internships did you have before beginning with Imperial College Business School?

Before arriving at Imperial, I had completed multiple internships in various industries, including fintech, education and pharmaceuticals. My experience working in both the corporate and agency side revealed which areas of business and marketing I’m most passionate about and wish to pursue moving forward. These experiences helped develop my teamwork, communication and leadership skills before starting at the Business School, and have been invaluable for a successful year. Most importantly though, the ideas and skills developed through these experiences allowed me to cross-pollinate ideas between subjects and projects throughout the year.

Why did you decide to study MSc Strategic Marketing at Imperial College Business School?

My previous work experience not only uncovered my passion for marketing, but also the areas I felt I needed to improve in order to communicate with consumers most effectively. Specifically, the programme’s focus on analytical and fiscal approach to marketing combined with its emphasis on digital is what interested me and made the programme stand out. I’ve used this year and my time at Imperial to grow in these areas and become a more holistic marketer.

Did you receive a scholarship? If yes, what were the benefits of receiving this?

I was humbled to receive an entrance scholarship to my programme. Beyond the evident financial advantages of the scholarship, I feel that this support from Imperial instilled in me the desire to make the most of this year.

Programme

What aspects of the programme do you most enjoy, and find most rewarding?

My favourite part of the programme was the Marketing Plan Competition as the module really encapsulates the ‘strategic’ thinking and creativity the programme encourages throughout the year. In teams, students are required to design a product/service and design the marketing and business plan around it. I loved being able to pull ideas from all the modules of the year and hearing the ideas of other students by watching all the presentations!

Which has been your favourite module so far and why?

My favourite module was Digital Marketing. This was an area I felt I had a lot of room to develop my skills and loved how practical the module was. While strategy was a major programme component, the module also delved into the actual execution of the strategy: which tools to use, when to use them and how to actually use them. This level of depth is rare, and I really appreciated that when I finished the programme I felt I could actually implement the learnings from the programme in the workplace.

What has been the most challenging part of the programme?

The most challenging part of the programme was a very good one – getting to know everyone! With such a big cohort and two streams, it’s hard to find enough time to hear about everyone’s experiences and backgrounds. With more than 50 nationalities, there’s as much to be learned from your peers as your classes!

People

How do you describe your cohort at imperial?

International, open-minded and outgoing!

Imperial places a large emphasis on group work; what did you like the most about working in this type of environment?

Group projects are the ultimate learning environment. I enjoyed the group work because it teaches invaluable skills like compromise, collaboration and patience that are essential for the workplace. When everyone is present, accountable and genuinely interested in the task at hand, group work not only produces amazing results, but is enjoyable!

Opportunities

Which workshops, events or guest lectures at the school have been useful in developing your skills and knowledge?

My favourite this year was a panel on marketing innovation with speakers from Diageo, Google and Wolf & Badger speaking about how new technologies like voice tech will influence how brands are able to connect with consumers.

What clubs, societies or other activities have you been involved in at Imperial? Do you hold a student leadership position?

This year I was a student ambassador for the MSc Strategic Marketing programme. I think giving is a vital part of being a member of a community and being a student ambassador allowed me to connect with current and prospective students to share my experience and answer their questions on both the programme and life in London. I would highly recommend becoming an ambassador, not only to make a lasting impact on the Imperial community, but it connects you to like-minded students outside your programme.

Career

What are your future career goals and how have they been realised since being at Imperial?

I have an avid interest in technology and digital marketing which I was able to explore this year through modules like Digital Marketing and outside the classroom through panels and networking events. Hearing from industry professionals provided insight into the day-to-day of these roles.

How did the services from Careers help in your professional development/securing employment?

Careers was helpful in preparing for interviews and providing feedback on how to improve both my resume and interview skills, and where to find the resources to do so.

London location

Do you think studying in a central location such as London is beneficial for networking and career opportunities?

Having London as the backdrop to your studies provides an incredible environment to connect with a diverse range of firms, people and opportunities. Proximity to one of the world’s major business hubs has provided the chance to learn about new industries and attend panels and workshops.

Where do you live in London and why did you choose to live there?

I currently live in the wonderful, eclectic neighbourhood of Notting Hill (yes, like the movie!). With its colourful doors, weekend markets and picture-perfect brunches, it’s the perfect escape from the big city. It has a good vibe and is just a short, dreamy walk through Hyde Park to Imperial! London is a huge city and days are long, make sure you take the time to find a place that is relaxing to come home to, and you don’t spend half the day on the tube.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time in London?

Samuel Johnson once said, “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.” To me this couldn’t be truer. The buzz of London is contagious and there’s always something new to explore. Some of my favorite things to do in London include discovering the wide variety of local markets (Portobello Road & Borough Market to name some favourites!), trying out new places to eat and taking advantage of the overwhelming number of cultural activities. But my exploring hasn’t been limited to London! This year I’ve had the chance to discover Europe including Copenhagen, Nice, Lisbon and Stockholm. Skyscanner has basically been my homepage this year and I would highly recommend taking advantage of weekend trips to immerse yourself in new languages, places and people.

What have been the benefits and challenges of moving to London? What advice would you give to someone in a similar position?

My one piece of advice would be if you find an apartment you like, move fast! Our apartment was the fifth one we saw. In most cities this may seem like too short a search but London moves fast, which means you have to too.

Tips

Looking back to when you were applying for the programme, did you attend any online webinars or on-campus information sessions? 

Unfortunately being in Montreal while applying to Imperial meant that I wasn’t able to take advantage of on-campus events or open days, but Imperial does a great job of providing insight into life in London online. I found UniBuddy a great resource before arriving, where I was able to ask specific questions I may have had to current Imperial students and receive quick answers. The programmes team also does a great job of connecting you to your fellow classmates once you’ve accepted your offer through a cohort Facebook group. This was a great way to meet other students, introduce yourself and learn about the people you’ll be sharing the next year with.

What advice would you give someone who is thinking about applying for the programme

Your programme is a small part of a huge opportunity! Imperial and the London community have so much to offer if you’re open to it. Use this year to tinker with new skills and ideas. From startup competitions to school clubs, there really is something for everyone.