David Roberts

You originally studied law at Edinburgh Napier. Tell us about your journey to Edinburgh Napier and what led you to marketing.  

"I'm from Edinburgh and grew up opposite the Merchiston campus - I learnt how to ride my bike in the courtyard! So, Napier has always been part of my life. When I started looking at universities, Napier felt like an exciting place to be. It had recently transitioned from a polytechnic to a university and had a forward-looking mindset. 

"I chose to study law because I thought that was the career I wanted to have. However, getting involved in student representation caused me to change my mind. I spent two years as a student sabbatical officer. In my first year I oversaw the sports clubs and societies before being elected President of the Students’ Association in my second year. 

"Through these roles, I organised student events such as Freshers’ Week, worked closely with the University's leadership team, and sat on both the University Court and Academic Board. At the same time, the Scottish Government was reviewing the future of free tuition fees, and I became heavily involved in related policy discussions and campaigning. 

"Those experiences helped me discover a passion for communicating ideas, engaging people and running campaigns. While those skills are valuable in law, I realised marketing would allow me to apply them in a more creative and dynamic environment. That's what ultimately led me into the profession."

Tell us about your career journey.  

"I was elected a student sabbatical officer in the summer between third and fourth year. When my two-year term ended, I returned to complete my final year of study. I came back as a completely different student. Having become used to working full-time, I approached university with much greater focus and discipline. I would arrive at 9am every morning and spend the day studying, even when I didn't have classes. 

"After graduating in 2000, I was determined to build a career in marketing. My first opportunity came as a part-time mailroom assistant with a local marketing agency called KLP. I was responsible for delivering mail to people's desks and setting up meeting rooms. Fortunately, someone recognised I had skills beyond that role and gave me opportunities to contribute more widely. I moved into an account executive position and began working on promotions, events and marketing campaigns. 

"Three years later, I was approached by marketing agency Multiply to join as a project manager. What began as a short-term contract turned into a career spanning more than 20 years, during which I helped develop campaigns for major food and drink brands. 

"Two years ago, I launched Fresh Edinburgh, an integrated marketing division within Fresh, a global brand experience company." 

What has been the most significant achievement of your career?  

"There are highlights all the time. Even now, seeing a campaign I've helped create out in the real world still gives me a buzz. 

"However, being named a Fellow of The Marketing Society in 2019 was a particularly special moment. This award is recognition from my peers and means more than commercial success." 

You have received the volunteer award in recognition of your support of the marketing programme. Why is that important to you? 

"I enjoy speaking to students, supporting the programme and contributing to advisory boards and mentoring where I can. It's also important for me to stay connected to the next generation of marketers. Every time I engage with students, I learn something new. Their perspectives, ideas and experiences help keep me fresh and aware of how the industry is changing. 

"I also remember the people who gave their time to support me when I was a student. Volunteering gives me the opportunity to give something back." 

What role has networking played in your career?  

"Networking has been hugely important, but perhaps not in the way some people think.  

"The best networking comes from genuinely wanting to help other people. It's not about asking, "What can you do for me?" It's about building relationships, sharing ideas and creating value together.  

"Many opportunities in my career have come through conversations, recommendations and long-term relationships. That's also why I encourage students and graduates to get involved and build connections early. You never know where those relationships may lead." 

What advice would you give to current students and recent graduates?  

"Have a go. It's very easy to say no to opportunities because they feel uncomfortable or outside your experience, but you'll never make progress if you say no all the time. 

"Say yes. Get involved. Volunteer. Try things. Learn from people around you.  

"One of the most important lessons I've learned is that we should never stop learning. We can always adapt, evolve and improve, no matter what stage of our career we're in.  If you stay curious and remain open to new experiences, you'll be amazed where life can take you."