Having set his sights on joining a values-led organisation, BU graduate Micah Douglas is proud to be working for a brand on a mission to tackle modern slavery.
Micah, who graduated with a degree in Events Management in 2018, is now Marketing Assistant for the UK and Ireland at Tony’s Chocolonely – a Dutch confectionary brand setting out to make the chocolate industry 100% slave free.
He said: “It was important for me to join a company which aligned with my own values, and to work for a business which wants to make a positive impact on the world. The fact that I could do that while building my career in the fast-paced food and drink sector, which I love, was a massive draw.”
Tony’s sells its chocolate bars through supermarkets, independent stores and online. And while it ensures that its own practices promote fair trading across the cocoa supply chain, it is also actively campaigning to achieve the same for the whole confectionary trade.
Micah’s arrival at Tony’s is something of a natural progression. While studying at BU, he began working as a part-time brand ambassador for Mr Lee’s Noodles, a Dorset-based firm with a focus on creating healthier snack foods. He went on to complete his work placement with the company and, having made a big impression during that year, returned after graduating as a Marketing and Events Executive.
He said: “Mr Lee’s is similarly mission-leading, albeit with a different focus. My time there helped to develop my conviction that this was important for me, and I was able to make the most of the opportunities that university provided to build experience alongside my studies.”
Now three years into his career, Micah reflects that his decision to choose the events management degree at BU was the right one. He said: “The course had a real industry focus, which was great for me as I had already worked in events prior to taking up my studies. We were thrown into projects involving teamwork and had opportunities to apply what we were learning at major events such as the Bournemouth Air Festival. While I have since transitioned into a marketing role, I am still able to apply so much of what I’ve learned, particularly at Tony’s where our promotion is rooted in organic rather than paid for channels.”
As more graduates seek to find roles in organisations with a social purpose, Micah has this advice to job seekers. “You need to be agile and make the most of your networks and connections. It’s extremely competitive, so do your research and spend time now positioning yourself for the next opportunity. That might involve volunteering for a charity, or publishing articles to show what you’re passionate about. All of these things give you something to draw on when it comes to making applications or attending an interview.”