Francesca

Life at Surrey

Why did you choose to study at the University of Surrey?

I chose the University of Surrey because it was one of the highest-rated universities for Psychology. Living on campus and fully immersing myself in university life was an incredible experience. One of the highlights was learning from professors who are at the forefront of Psychology research; they were true experts in their fields and provided fantastic learning opportunities. 

What was the best thing about your course?

I really appreciated the university’s openness to student feedback and its willingness to adapt. I’ve always loved Psychology but wanted a well-rounded education with opportunities to explore different fields beyond Clinical Psychology. After discussing this with fellow students, we brought up the need for more course variety with our professors. The following year, they introduced a new Occupational Psychology course, which allowed us to apply Psychology principles to business settings. Seeing our voices heard and turned into real change was incredibly rewarding.

"I really appreciated the university’s openness to student feedback and its willingness to adapt."

Life after Surrey

What do you do now?

I’m a Marketing Executive at iOpt, a company that provides remote property monitoring for social housing. Beyond working in a field that has a meaningful impact, I most enjoy blending creativity with strategy—crafting campaigns that not only drive engagement but also create real change. 

How has your time at Surrey helped you get where you are now?

My studies at Surrey gave me a strong foundation in understanding human behaviour and what drives action -something that’s incredibly valuable in marketing. Additionally, lectures in statistics have been instrumental in helping me gather, analyse, and interpret data. With so much of marketing being digital, having a solid grasp of data is essential for optimizing campaigns and driving growth.

What is your advice for students aspiring to work in your profession?

Marketing, like many other fields, is constantly evolving, so stay curious and never stop learning. Get as much hands-on experience as you can, whether that’s through internships, freelance work, or personal projects. But also remember: no two career journeys are the same. I knew when I started studying Psychology that I wanted to work in marketing, and I also knew that my unique background would give me a different perspective and an edge that set me apart from other candidates.

So trust your own path. Your choices should make sense to you, not anyone else. I truly believe we all have the power to shape our careers and our lives -so believe in yourself and strive to become the best version of you!

Find out more about our Psychology BSc.