Hussnain Mahmood – Business Owner

“Ask Our Alum your question…”

Class of 2022

Marketing Management

IF YOU STUDIED YOUR UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME AT YORK ST JOHN UNIVERSITY OR FOUNDER COLLEGES, DID YOU GO ON TO POSTGRADUATE STUDY?

No

 JOB:

Business Owner – Bespoke Marketing Ltd

WHY HAVE YOU CHOSEN THIS PHOTO AS YOUR YSJ SNAPSHOT?

This was the first ever professional picture I had taken, I was still studying at the university whilst having a marketing role for a company in York. It was one of my first marketing roles.

WHAT ARE YOUR FONDEST MEMORIES OF YORK ST JOHN UNIVERSITY?

My time at the university was in the midst of Covid lockdowns which really altered what university life was like, nevertheless I thoroughly enjoyed meeting people I normally never would! My fondest memories at the university would have to be focused around the 1-2-1 meetings I had with module staff whom inspired me to continue pushing myself in the business world.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE YORK ST JOHN UNIVERSITY OR FOUNDER COLLEGES?

The city of York really sold itself, to the point where I am proud to say I live in this amazing city! The university values were something that stood out more than other universities. A sense of community, sense of support and a sense of belonging were all reasons why I chose York St John University.

WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN DOING SINCE COMPLETING YOUR STUDIES?

Since graduating I have worked in many industries as part of marketing teams, I have worked for global companies where I was just one of many hundred marketeers and for much smaller companies. The experience I gained through my journey allowed me to take the leap into starting my own marketing agency. I now have numerous clients in the UK and Dubai, I am also grateful to manage my team at Bespoke Marketing Ltd, all in under 8 months.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR SPECIFIC COURSE?

I have always enjoyed and excelled in the creative space, my passion for business from ideating business plans as a teenager, to launching small ventures whilst at university all lead me to this degree. The one point during my time at sixth form that really solidified that marketing was going to be my career of choice, was my experience at Burnley Football Club in the media and marketing department.

WHAT WERE THE BEST FEATURES OF YOUR COURSE?

Group work and the encouragement to explore case studies and real world application helped solidify my knowledge base. I would have to say these are some core aspects of the marketing course that allowed me to think outside the box.

WHAT ONE PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A CURRENT STUDENT, OR ONE ABOUT TO GRADUATE?

My advice to students and those about to graduate will be to throw yourself into the real world, share your ideas with companies you may work for. Don’t narrow yourself to one industry early on in your career, you never know which industry will be right for you unless you try it. The power of networking is something you should never underestimate, put yourself out there, attend networking events, connect with people on LinkedIn and really push yourself. Having said all of this, do not panic if you haven’t achieved your dream, landed a high paying role 2, 3 or even 5 years after graduating. Everyone is on their own journey.