Unnikrishnan, India

Moving to south Wales wasn’t a tough decision for Unnikrishnan to make. He says Cardiff’s affordability and vibrancy set the city high above the likes of London and Manchester. He studied in Wales; now he lives and works in Wales. 

Unnikrishnan arrived in south Wales with the ambition of becoming a marketing professional. Roll on the clock one year later, and he’s done just that (and more). 

He harnessed his passion and excitement to network with media professionals at university events and decided to give back to his peers by hosting mentoring sessions and workshops, positioning himself as a firm member of the University of South Wales content creation team.

Today, Unnikrishnan is a Marketing Associate in Newport and is proud to call Wales his home. 

My journey: From Student to Marketing Professional in Wales

Two years ago, I made a decision that would completely transform my career trajectory. I chose to pursue my MBA at the University of South Wales, and looking back now as a Marketing Associate working in Newport, I can confidently say it was one of the best choices I've ever made.

When I was researching study destinations, Wales immediately caught my attention. I've always been drawn to the outdoors, and the promise of living near the Welsh mountains and greener landscapes was genuinely exciting. But beyond the natural beauty, Cardiff offered something unique: a vibrant city life combined with affordability that you simply don't find in places like London or Manchester. The cost of living was reasonable, the universities had strong reputations, and there seemed to be genuine opportunities for international students like me.

What truly set my experience apart were the incredible opportunities I had at USW. I wasn't just attending lectures and writing assignments. I became a University Ambassador, working directly with the content creation team to help welcome and support other international students. I took part in the university's summer challenge, which had me hiking across Wales and building lasting friendships with fellow students. I also facilitated digital skills workshops, sharing knowledge and helping others develop their capabilities. Perhaps most importantly, I completed a seven-month placement as a Marketing Analyst, which gave me a real-world experience that would prove invaluable.

The networking opportunities at USW were exceptional. At a USW event, I connected with one of my colleagues who works at my current company. That conversation turned into an interview, and just one month after graduating, I landed my first marketing role. The transition from student to professional felt almost seamless because the university had prepared me so well.

Today, I manage marketing operations for 15 stores across England and Wales, running Meta ad campaigns and developing content strategies. Living in Cardiff city centre means I have both the urban lifestyle and weekend adventures in Brecon Beacons within easy reach. Wales didn't just give me a degree, it gave me a career, a community, and a place I'm proud to call home.