When Beth Barnham enrolled at De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) she didn't have a career plan.
Fast-forward four years and not only has she found her true passion - digital marketing - but she has also beaten more than 150 applicants to land a place on a graduate scheme.
Better still, Beth was offered the role before sitting her Business and Management final exams.
She said: "It made four years of work so worth it and gave me a massive boost to finish.
"To know that I was one of four graduates out of around 150 applicants and 50 people over two assessment evenings to be offered a post was an incredible feeling - especially in such a competitive industry."
Beth, 22, loves her role with digital marketing agency Fat Media in Bristol, having started in June. "It's incredible," she said.
"I'm very lucky to be surrounded by great people and other graduates who are experiencing the scheme as I am.
"It has been very hands-on, with the trust being there from day one.
"I'm working with all types of clients and the scheme is structured so that I can get involved in all corners of the agency to see where I most enjoy, or what I'm most skilled at.
"I'm currently within content and social."
The company is also helping Beth adapt to the move from just outside Leicester.
"Being very new to Bristol, Fat Media are amazing at making me feel not only welcome to the agency but also to the city," she said.
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Beth was back in her home city last month for her graduation ceremony.
"It was a great day, seeing my course mates and celebrating gaining a First-class degree," she said.
Beth was originally drawn to study at DMU because of the Fox's Lair module, which gives student entrepreneurs the chance to pitch ideas to real-life business gurus.
"I also liked the flexibility and adaptability of the course in terms of elective modules," said Beth.
With the Fox's Lair experience living up to expectations - Beth was a runner-up - other favourite features included the Customer Management and E-Marketing modules, which gave Beth information relevant for her graduate role.
Another DMU highlight was her year as an assistant with the Business and Law placement team.
"I achieved some amazing things such as launching a social media plan, which was signed off by senior managers," she said.
"The placement team's support carried on right the way through the year and into my graduate search."
Beth also benefited from employment advice and industry insights from lecturers including marketing expert Dr Deviraj Gill.
She added: "Business and Management is a great course if you're unsure what you want to do but have a flair for, or enjoy, something business-related. Mine just happened to be digital marketing."
Posted on Tuesday 22 August 2017