Marketing graduate to brand leader: Maddie's career journey

Posted on: 5 June 2025 in Where are they now?

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Maddie Wong (Marketing, 2020) is a proud graduate of the University of Liverpool, whose career has taken her across international markets and leading brands. Having followed in her father’s footsteps - himself a Liverpool alumnus - she now gives back to the University community through guest lectures and student mentoring.

What initially sparked your interest in marketing and what led you to choose the University of Liverpool for your studies? 

Marketing is a multidimensional subject from the consumer behaviour and analytical data to the more creative and strategical element which makes it exhilarating. I choose the University of Liverpool because it was the only marketing course which offered a study abroad semester and a year in industry which most universities make you choose between one or the other. Not only that, but the University of Liverpool have incredible connections to other universities internationally and well-respected companies to ensure my degree would be fulfilled.

Looking back on your time as a student, what were some of your most memorable experiences?

Study abroad was one of my most memorable experiences. It was such a change of perspective where I developed both personally and academically. I remember our Study Abroad Officer had to remind us on the return that we can’t keep telling everyone “When I was abroad we did this…When I was abroad we did that…”, that’s how incredible the experience was - everyone who came back couldn't stop wanting to talk about it!

Back at Liverpool the final year modules really equipped us to be ready for the working world. The modules became even more specified to allow for your degree interests and future specialties when you finish your degree. I thoroughly enjoyed the practical case studies and group tasks on corporate communications and marketing strategy to name a few.

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What motivated you to take part in a study abroad exchange, and how did you find the overall experience?

For me study abroad was firstly an opportunity to travel and academically to gain international experience with the hope to work for global companies in the future. The study abroad exchange was one of my biggest highlights of the degree where I got to immerse in the Hong Kong culture, the incredible food and make new connections all around the globe. The modules were really engaging and equipped you for a more practical international experience from negotiations and persuasion, development of China, event marketing and social media.

In what ways did studying in Hong Kong shape or challenge your personal and academic perspectives?

Studying in Hong Kong taught me how to be more agile and adventurous. At the City University of Hong Kong there were many other international students on campus, so you quickly learn how to adapt and thrive together - whether it is academic projects, exploring the island or just finding a place to eat as culturally eating out was more common for students than cooking.

Can you tell us about your role during your placement year?

At Pfizer I was an Events, Internal Marketing and Communications undergraduate. This involved event planning and assisting digital platforms events through Cisco’s video conferencing and Microsoft teams. Responsible for delivering engaging events to connect colleagues at the Pfizer operations site. During my time I was also able to shadow multiple departments to add perspective to future careers.

How did your placement help you understand how marketing works in a real-world context?

A placement at Pfizer equipped me with the understanding of the corporate working world, the mannerisms and cultural elements of a workplace from conducting meetings to influencing stakeholders. Shadowing different departments on my placement as well helped me understand what kind of speciality I would be interested in when finishing university.

After graduating, you joined Müller as an Assistant Brand Manager - how did you find the transition from university to full-time work?

I started Müller during Covid which made it challenging to navigate initially but the placement gave me the confidence on how to manage the working world with meetings and managing stakeholders. Not only that, in final year we completed many relevant modules related to branding and strategy, which linked nicely as my first role at Müller focussed on strategical innovation.

Now that you're working at Kenvue, how has your career progressed, and what aspects of your current role do you find most exciting?

I have been working in brand management since graduating and have continued to enjoy the everchanging dynamics of the role. Throughout my five years in the working world I’ve really enjoyed understanding each brand, the core essence and strategically understanding how to grow the brand for the future.

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Could you share more about your experience mentoring a student who later secured a placement at Disney?

Having a University of Liverpool mentee this year was wonderful to see the energy, curiosity and intuition the students are becoming at the university. Being able to encourage and explore new opportunities together, as well as sharing own personal experience, I feel was a wonderful career adventure to be a part of. The individual I mentored this year had a goal of achieving a placement which we were able to successfully achieve. Her own skills and several achievements made her a perfect candidate and it was a delight to support her through the process.

What inspired you to begin volunteering and sharing your career journey with current students?

The University of Liverpool is where my dad also studied in 1983, part of the widening participation programme for those from disadvantage backgrounds growing up as a Toxteth young boy. The University has given my family hope and prospect. So, volunteering and sharing my learnings with current student feels like a great way to give back to the University. 

A huge thank you to Maddie for sharing her career journey with us. Feeling inspired to share your own story or get involved? There are plenty of ways to stay connected:

Keywords: Where are they now?.