When Westminster Marketing Management MA alumna Sunakshi Shetty attended a talk by the University’s Chancellor Natalie Campbell she had no idea it would change the course of her career. Inspired by Natalie’s bold approach to leadership and her vision for change, Sunakshi took a leap of faith, first as an intern on Natalie’s mayoral campaign and now as a Brand and Social Media Executive at Natalie’s company Belu. As she approaches the end of her first year at Belu, she shares her journey from student to professional, the challenges of stepping into the political arena and how her time at Westminster shaped her path.
1. What was it about Natalie’s talk that resonated with you?
I attended Natalie Campbell’s talk in November 2023 at the Enterprise Festival, organised by the University’s WeNetwork. As she shared her journey - switching career paths, hosting the Badass Women’s Hour podcast and challenging systems - I was in awe of the command she had over the room and her thought process. The entire time I kept thinking she really is a badass woman!
Then, she spoke about her work with Belu and her decision to run for Mayor of London, emphasising that real change comes from within. That evening, I registered to vote, without realising that not only would I be casting my vote for her, but I would soon be working alongside her.
What truly resonated with me was her philosophy of "owning the outcome." She spoke about how she takes a moment to process challenges but ultimately views every experience as a lesson.
2. When you applied for the campaign intern role, did you have any doubts or fears? How did you overcome them?
As I was in the last semester of my postgraduate studies, I was actively looking for jobs and internships. Ever since Natalie’s talk in October, I had been following her on social media, keeping an eye out for any opportunities.
One evening in February, around 8pm, I saw a LinkedIn post about the campaign intern role. Without overthinking it I applied immediately. To my surprise, I received a response for an interview at 11pm - Natalie being Natalie, she was always on!
That is when the doubts and fears started creeping in. I suddenly became nervous about the fact that I had no experience in politics. But I met with my professors, Dr Pinar Demir and Dr Kate Ingsa, for guidance. They were incredibly supportive and reassured me that I had the skills to take on the role. My mum, who has always believed I would do well in politics, I think because I am always “politically correct”, also encouraged me to go for it.
With their support, I overcame my hesitation and stepped into the opportunity feeling a bit more confident.
3. What were some of the most challenging aspects of working on a mayoral campaign?
One of the biggest challenges I faced was realising that most of my teammates were politics students or had prior experience in the field. As someone without that background, I felt a bit out of my depth and definitely out of my comfort zone.
Our first major goal was to collect 330 signatures from people across all London boroughs. This meant strategising where to go, who to speak to and engaging in door-to-door campaigning. While it was daunting at first, it became an incredible learning opportunity.
As an international student, I would not normally have been exposed to such a wide range of discussions on social issues, policies and local governance. This experience pushed me to develop key skills, improving my ability to connect with people, refining my logistical planning for campaign events and strengthening my teamwork and management abilities.
4. Can you share a moment from your time at Westminster that stands out as a key learning experience?
I’ve been a Westminster fan since I was 17! I moved to London to study Digital Media and Communications BA Honours at the University, and those years were all about figuring things out.
One of my most memorable experiences was receiving a partial scholarship to study abroad in Australia for a semester. It was an incredible opportunity to understand how things work on a global scale and broaden my perspective.
When it comes to key learning experiences during my Master’s, Dr Demir and Dr Ingsa played a huge role in shaping my journey. Dr Demir’s Creativity and Innovation module really pushed us to think outside the box, while Dr Ingsa completely transformed the way I see branding. She went beyond traditional teaching by bringing in guest lecturers, organising case study projects and creating opportunities for hands-on learning. She showed us how branding is not just about visuals - it can completely shape a business.
Even now, I still refer back to my lecture notes when putting together presentations for work! The practical and academic knowledge I gained at Westminster continues to be invaluable.
5. You have now transitioned into a full-time role at Belu. What has that journey been like?
The transition to my full-time role at Belu was surprisingly smooth. As the mayoral campaign came to an end, I was in the Belu office within a week! I went through two rounds of interviews, and it all went quite seamlessly. One of the highlights of working at Belu is that it is a social enterprise, so I get to contribute to work that genuinely makes an impact. It is incredibly rewarding.
As I approach my one-year mark at Belu in just a few months, I can honestly say it has been a fantastic experience. I have grown so much, and I am excited for what is to come!
6. How did Westminster prepare you for the real-world challenges of marketing, branding and social media?
Westminster prepared me through a mix of practical learning and expert guidance. The University taught me to think critically and creatively, which has been essential in my role at Belu. The hands-on experiences, including case studies and guest lecturers, gave me the tools to approach challenges strategically and confidently.
I also received invaluable feedback on assignments that helped me refine my understanding of branding and improve my creative thinking. These skills have proven incredibly useful in my career, enabling me to tackle complex tasks with fresh perspectives and innovative solutions.
7. What advice would you give to Westminster students who are in the same position as you when you started?
My advice to students is Westminster has SOOO much to offer so do embrace every opportunity for growth and learning, both inside and outside the classroom. Do not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone - whether it is taking on an internship, attending events or networking with people from different backgrounds. These experiences often lead to unexpected and valuable connections.
Also, trust the process and do not get discouraged by setbacks. I had moments of doubt when I started, but those moments are part of the journey. Seek guidance from your professors and peers and always stay curious. The skills you develop at Westminster, whether technical or creative, will serve you in ways you cannot always predict.
And lastly, stay open to new paths. I never expected to work in politics or in a social enterprise, but those unexpected opportunities have shaped my career in the best way possible. Keep your options open, be adaptable and trust that you have got this in the bag!
Find out more about studying Marketing courses at the University of Westminster.
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