Beth Jump, Unleashing potential at Bloomberg

"If you want something, make it happen - say yes and take those opportunities! Saying yes opens doors!"

At a recent KCL Women In Business marketing panel, we had the privilege of meeting the dynamic, personable, and inspiring Beth Jump from Bloomberg. Having shared details about our "From Women For Women" magazine, we were delighted when she agreed to an interview. Here's the scoop on Beth's journey – where creativity converges with strategy, and where her advice guides aspiring professionals in the marketing field.

A Passion Discovered: Early Steps

Beth always knew she wanted to work in “the big city”. Her career story began when she embarked on an internship at LK Bennett headquarters, Mindshare on the Chanel account, followed by a year-long placement at L’Oréal. These experiences opened her eyes to the world of fashion and beauty and set the stage for her future marketing career. While working in these prestigious organisations, Beth discovered her love for marketing, solidifying her decision to pursue it as a career. Her advice? Embrace internships or work experiences, even if unpaid. She shared, "It's worth it in the long run, sets you up with valuable connections and a feel for the real world of business." This early exposure helped her recognize her passion and paved the way for future successes.

Education: A Strategic Path to Success

Beth strategically pursued her interest in marketing by enrolling in the BSc Business Management with Marketing degree at the University of Brighton. During her studies, she secured a year-long placement at L’Oréal, expanding her skills and knowledge. This academic and practical blend equipped her with the tools needed to thrive in the competitive field of marketing. She emphasised the importance of focusing on one's degree and working hard, as it can become the steppingstone to subsequent achievements. According to Beth, "Try to take a placement year if you can - being in a working environment is invaluable." 

In her final year of university, Beth worked hard at securing a graduate scheme, which she did with a focus on the insurance market, at Lloyd’s of London. There, she “fell in love with the financial world of marketing - smaller teams, creativity, and challenges to solve”. 

Beth made the most during her 2-year graduate scheme where she found mentors to develop her career, and after it was completed, she was approached on LinkedIn for her following two roles at BlackRock and Bloomberg. Her advice: “Always make sure your LinkedIn is up to date, connect with those you meet, and build your own network!”

Insights: What is it like working in Marketing at Bloomberg?

One of the perks of Beth's job is the opportunity to travel the world. From New York to Paris and Milan, she orchestrates events, meets clients, and collaborates with colleagues globally to drive consistency across the Bloomberg brand. This exposure allows her to continuously expand her network, learn about different cultures, and deepen her understanding of marketing dynamics. Beth expresses her gratitude for this aspect of her job, saying, "Being able to travel the world for one... allows me to continue meeting new people and growing my network, learning about new cultures, and expanding my knowledge in marketing." Beth shared with us that working in Marketing at Bloomberg, no day is the same. 

“In previous roles, I was new and thought, how can I bring something different and have impact on my team.”

“Continuously having to adapt depending on what the market is doing and working in a fast-paced environment is exciting”, she says. The culture at Bloomberg focuses on giving back and making a difference. For each hour that employees volunteer, Bloomberg gives money to charity. “This year, I’ve been able to volunteer at Hamleys, donating gifts to children and running the square mile for my city”. Oh, and finally, we can’t forget some other perks: free snacks and drinks in the office pantry!

Check out the London office HERE!

Crafting a Distinctive Personal Brand: Be Uniquely You

Beth's journey in building a personal brand extends beyond her day job. She encourages aspiring marketers to pursue their hobbies passionately and become experts in something unique. “In previous roles, I was new and thought, how can I bring something different and have impact on my team. I trained myself and became fully up to speed with our new email platform and LinkedIn. It was then something I was able to own”. Becoming the go-to person for tips and tricks on email platforms and LinkedIn, showcasing the power of owning a skill set within the team. 

But the personal brand stems beyond the day job. Her advice? Say yes to opportunities, especially when starting your career. According to Beth, "If you want something, make it happen - say yes and take those opportunities! Saying yes opens doors!" Know your community and stay involved in it, whether it’s at university or at a job. “Being a course representative at university, becoming part of the women’s EMEA network comms team at work, mentoring - what else could you be?”. 

Empowering the Next Generation: Advice for Young Women in Marketing

For young women aspiring to establish themselves in the marketing industry, Beth shares three key pieces of advice:

• Focus on Your Degree: Beth's graduate scheme opportunity was a direct result of her commitment to her degree. According to her, the hard work pays off: "It landed me the graduate scheme, and this was the steppingstone to my role now.”

• Build Your Network: Leverage platforms like LinkedIn to connect with professionals in your desired field. Get a mentor, join marketing networks, ask questions, and learn from those who have walked the path before you. Beth highlights the importance of networking, saying, "Build your network and make those connections - LinkedIn has been crucial for me."

• Internships Matter: Don't shy away from internships or work experiences. These experiences provide essential insights and open doors for future opportunities. According to Beth, "Take the internship or work experience - know a friend or someone in the industry? Ask them if they’ll enquire about work experience for you and take it, it doesn’t matter if it’s free, this honestly is an invaluable experience."

Final Words of Wisdom: Make it Happen

In closing, Beth Jump leaves us with a powerful message: If you want something, make it happen. Saying yes and taking opportunities, even those outside your comfort zone, can lead to remarkable growth. In marketing, where adaptability is key, Beth's journey stands as great inspiration, urging everyone to go beyond expectations and create their path to success. As she wisely puts it, "You can’t always rely on those opportunities coming your way, go out of your way and put yourself in situations where something could happen."