MSc Marketing graduate, Jordan Barnhart, discusses why she decided to move to Edinburgh and pursue her dream career in advertising.
Tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Jordan Barnhart I graduated from my Masters in MSc Marketing and now I work in an advertising agency in Edinburgh.
What were you doing before your Masters?
I started my first year of my Undergraduate degree at The University of South Dakota, and then I came to Napier in my second year for a six month abroad program. I met some amazing friends and I would come back and visit all the time, twice a year until I graduated in 2017. I knew I want to live back in Edinburgh so I took the opportunity and came back to do a Masters. It was an 18-month program, so it was nice to come back to Napier with a sense of having been here before, even if just for a short time, I really enjoyed it.
What opportunities did studying at Napier open for you?
I think that my Masters at Napier was a really good stepping point into a career because it allowed me to really focus on finding the things that I enjoy doing. I had some really good lecturers and advisers, specifically for my dissertation and there was a lot of networking opportunities too. I really am passionate about telling my story to international students wanting to do a Masters because it's not impossible. And it may seem like there is so many things you have to jump through, like student loans or all that, but just do it. Just go for it.
I have so many memories. I look back at my time at Napier and I just think, that was just the best time ever.
Are you planning to stay in Edinburgh now or returning home?
No I definitely feel like I'm settled here in Edinburgh. I love it. I come from a very small state, small town, never even been on a bus. Napier really sets you up where it as all those things so you don't feel out of the loop, it really helps you.
Do you think the career opportunities here in Edinburgh are better than they would have been if you moved home?
I think so yeah. I think I would have been happier, well I know I am happier here. I think this kind of lifestyle in Edinburgh is different from the US, and I feel like I am just more attracted to living here, working here, all of it.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of studying at Edinburgh Napier?
It's not impossible. It may seem like there are so many hoops to jump through to get here, but it's worth it. You just have to go for it. And there are people at Napier to help you all along the way so you are never alone.