After graduating from Queen Margaret University (QMU), Edinburgh with a BA (Hons) Corporate Communications degree, Maria Solarin was propelled into the thriving and varied world of communications.
Now a Senior Marketing Manager at the Scottish Government, Maria strives to make life better for people living across Scotland, something that she gets great pleasure out of. Maria tells us about how her time at QMU helped her gain the skills required to secure a major role at an organisation which is essential to the running of the country.
1. Why did you choose to study at QMU?
I chose to study at QMU because the BA (Hons) Corporate Communications course looked really interesting and intrigued me, as not many universities offered a degree in this specific area. I wanted a more vocational course that would give me real-life skills and experiences so that I could start a career in communications after graduation.
Living in the beautiful and buzzing city of Edinburgh also felt very attractive to me given I was making a big decision moving from my hometown of Finland to continue my higher education journey.
2. What did you enjoy the most about your course? What was the highlight?
I really enjoyed the varied nature of the modules, which included media studies, design, and even photography!
The highlight for me was completing my dissertation in 4th year - I chose to research women in PR, exploring gender roles in the industry. Of course, graduating with a 1st class degree, was also a highlight, which made all the hard work worthwhile.
3. Did you enjoy your placements?
I had two fantastic placements - one working for a music label in Glasgow, and another in QMU’s very own marketing department.
The music label placement was a lot of fun as I was able to help with the organisation of many events, allowing me to get a glimpse into the music industry.
Working for the QMU marketing department helped me gain a better understanding of how this sector operates and what I might expect if I entered a job in this area of communications after graduation.
4. What has been the most valuable lesson that you learned at university?
"For me, the most valuable lessons I learned were life skills. Going to university sets you up for independent living and working.  "
5. What have you been doing since graduating from QMU?
After I graduated in 2005, I managed to get a job at an integrated advertising agency in Edinburgh, and I stayed in Scottish advertising until 2019 working on a variety of sizable accounts and clients.
I then joined the Healthier Scotland marketing team at the Scottish Government in 2019 to work on its health marketing portfolio. Working in health was particularly challenging during the COVID-19 pandemic, but it provided me with a fantastic learning opportunity.
Since the pandemic, I have moved onto the Safer Scotland team at the Scottish Government, looking after marketing campaigns related to community and road safety.
6. What do you enjoy about your job at the Scottish Government and has there been a particular highlight? 
I love my current role as a Senior Marketing Manager at the Scottish Government because I can contribute to making life better for people living in Scotland. Encouraging behaviour change is a very different communications ask compared to more commercial marketing. It really feels like I am doing a very worthwhile job that gives me a purpose.
7. How have you applied what you learned at QMU to your career since graduating?
My BA (Hons) Corporate Communications course was paramount in helping me achieve what I have now, equipping me with a raft of skills and knowledge that I’ve been able to apply throughout my career - whether it’s devising marketing strategies, understanding research methodologies, or judging creative assets.
