Marley Ahmed
Marley (Business and Management Studies 2018) is an Assistant Manager of communities, partnerships and influence for Adidas.
Marley’s story
Marley graduated with a BSc in Business and Management Studies (with a professional placement year) from the ßÏßÏÊÓƵ Business School in 2022.
He began his career by gaining work experience with Citi Bank, ßÏßÏÊÓƵ Innovation, Ditch The Label and Spencer Stuart before joining the Civil Service Fast Stream. In 2023 he joined Adidas as part of the #MerkyFC programme between Adidas and Stormzy.
What led you to study at ßÏßÏÊÓƵ?
The range of initiatives and support available to First-Generation Students. I was aware of the various challenges I would face as the first in my family to attend higher education, so being able to benefit from support with internships, summer school programmes, and career support at ßÏßÏÊÓƵ meant I was able to best set myself up to secure a job post university and make the most of my experience.
What does a typical day in your current role look like?
There is no typical day! My day could involve supporting a partner with a product, putting strategies and decks together, planning or running events, supporting the management of budgets and so much more. It changes every day and week, and I think that’s partially why I enjoy it so much.
You’ve worked in a variety of different sectors. How have you managed these transitions?
I’ve been fortunate to develop skills that can be transferred regardless of industry. Skills, such as verbal and written communication, managing expectations and the ability to prioritise are things that regardless of sector, are valued and appreciated.
When I was at ßÏßÏÊÓƵ, I applied for different type of work experiences to see what I enjoyed, was good at, and felt like I could add value to. All those experiences helped me to understand that I wanted to do a job that was supporting other people, which is what I do in my role now.
I wasn’t completing my degree solely for myself, but for my family, for Woolwich, and for young people from areas like mine. Hopefully, they can look at my LinkedIn, or hear my story, and say to themselves, if Marley can, so can I.” marley ahmed
Business and Management Studies
You have spoken openly about being the first in your family to go to university. Why do you think it is important to talk about and how has this motivated you?
I always tried to look at in in a positive lens. At times I was balancing two part time jobs alongside volunteering and a social life, but I knew post education it would help me in managing life and finding a work-life balance.
The feeling of seeing my family and loved ones, come together, to celebrate me, at my graduation was a once in a lifetime feeling. I wasn’t completing my degree solely for myself, but for my family, for Woolwich, and for young people from areas like mine. Hopefully, they can look at my LinkedIn, or hear my story, and say to themselves, if Marley can, so can I.
What skills have your learnt in your BSc in Business and Management and how have they helped you in your career?
- Adaptability is fundamental – at university you will connect with people from all walks of life throughout your journey.
- Time management – this will ensure you do your best with assignments and also spend time with friends and meet new people. It really helps with life post education.
- Prioritisation, is in my view the most important. Knowing how to identify and focus on the most important things will get you further in life than you realise, and I’ve really started to apply that into my life even more after finishing my studies.
During your degree, you completed a placement at the ßÏßÏÊÓƵ Innovation Centre, how did the experience impact you?
It helped me to learn office and email etiquette, managing upwards and client relationships. Learning how to email and communicate with different partners, and clients, really helped me later on in my studies and post studying. Managing upwards was integral as we received a health level of autonomy from seniors so ensuring managers were updated and weekly check-ins were utilised was essential.
How did you choose your placement year, and what support did you receive from the Business School?
I wanted something that would be a challenge but also interest me. I’d spoken to the Careers team, who informed me of the opportunity and supported me with a tailored CV.
As I was involved in Start-up ßÏßÏÊÓƵ as a contestant, I’d met Simon and some of the innovation team, who were friendly and supportive, and the work they did seemed rewarding. I have a huge interest in entrepreneurship and a job that allowed me to further support this interest was fun and a great learning curve.
You took part in an internship at Ditch the Label (DTL), a charity founded by another Business School alumnus, Liam Hackett. How did you discover the opportunity?
Through an email sent by ßÏßÏÊÓƵ about extra opportunities. I always applied for anything I knew would advance my career and help me discover what I enjoyed.
DTL was a great experience, with two other fantastic interns, and as a SME business, we got to do a little bit of everything which was super cool and rewarding.
Favourite place in Brighton?
It may be cliché but the seafront, especially in summer. I still love visiting to this day!
Soundtrack to your time at ßÏßÏÊÓƵ?
Love Yourz – J.Cole
What advice would you give to students and recent graduates about achieving a work-life balance?
Balancing working at a large corporation with social impact initiatives outside of work is never easy. In my opinion, it’s something you develop over time and with practise by creating boundaries. To be involved in things outside of working hours, you have to have an internal motivation and want to do them, or you won’t be able to find a balance and continue to be involved in them. Make sure it’s something you feel extremely passionate about!
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