I LOVED College – I wish I could do it all over again! It set me up for success. The BTEC modules teach you so much more than you would expect and are relatable to the real world of work. The relationships you hold with teachers and the people you meet along the way – use them, rely on them and trust them to push you in the right direction.
I was very sporty: I loved netball, swimming, squash and was also a dancer in some forms! College was a time for learning and friendships that have stayed strong through my whole life.
When I left College, I joined Unilever as an apprentice for 18 months. This was an absolute stepping stone in my career – being thrown straight in at the deep end is what I needed! I’m a practical learner so this was the best next step for me to take. At Unilever I worked in Licensing, and this is where my love for this career path grew. Launching the likes of Magnum chocolate bars, Marmite easter eggs and Twister ice cream through to high heels and fashion collections with ASOS I was in my element!
In total, I spent four years with Unilever, moving from apprentice to a full-time UK position and then a global role. Then, an opportunity came up with the National Football League (NFL) for a UK Licensing Executive, reigniting my passion for sport. I quickly landed on my feet and six months in, found myself with no line manager leading and running this area of the business in Europe. It was this period spent driving things forward and delivering on projects that got me to where I am today: Lead for Consumer Products in Europe.
My role involves running and managing our event retail at all the live European NFL Games. I am responsible for managing relationships with all NFL partners in Europe, which involves working with the likes of EA Sports, Nike, New Era, Primark and Zara. I’m also always looking to find unique collaborations in the fashion space with companies like Champion, OVO or Hugo Boss. Plus, I deliver our high street retail pop-ups and programmes and design and develop – alongside our partners – all NFL products that come to the European market.
A piece of advice that I take with me everywhere: If you don’t ask, you don’t get. Go after your dreams and network with people in the areas of business that you’re interested in. The bigger your network the larger your name, so LIVE ON LINKED IN! Oh – and it’s important to have a mindset of seeking to understand and explore, and not be overly ‘cocky’ to industry experts!
Jessica Campbell
Reigate College: 2011-2013
Higher Education: Level 3 Business Admin Diploma while working as an apprentice at Unilever
Currently: Europe Consumer Products Lead for National Football League (NFL)
The courses that we offer do change over time. Our past student profiles include the closest match in qualifications that are currently available at the College.
