Megan Bond
Megan (Strategic Marketing 2023) is a Brand and CommuniTEA Co-ordinator at Bird & Blend Tea Co. B Corp.
Megan’s story
Megan started her journey at Sussex in 2011 when she studied for a BSc in Sociology, which was then followed by a PGCE. After working for many years as a primary school teacher, Megan decided to pivot to a marketing career but found in interviews that she was being told that she lacked fundamental marketing experience. Consequently, she decided to return to the University in 2023 to study an MSc in Strategic Marketing, receiving a scholarship to help fund her studies.
Her studies allowed her to expand her knowledge and skills in the field, and since graduating Megan has begun a fulfilling role as Brand and CommuniTEA coordinator for Bird & Blend Tea Co. B Corp, an independent, award-winning tea company on a mission to reimagine tea.
How did your Masters course in MSc Strategic Marketing help you to change your career?
It gave me the confidence I needed and I learned so many skills throughout the year. There were the core marketing principles taught in lectures and workshops, but there were also many additional opportunities offered by the University, such as learning how to use LinkedIn effectively, job hunting strategies, CV writing and networking. Networking was perhaps the most important element for me. I’ve learned so much from the people I met and made friends with people from all over the world!
You also completed your undergraduate degree and PGCE at Sussex. Why did you decide to come back to study at the University of Sussex Business School?
I absolutely love Sussex. I always have done, ever since my first visit as an ambitious sixth former in 2010. Sussex is always a place I’ve felt safe and inspired; I love the campus and its unique “village” feel, the history of the buildings and the vibrant, diverse community.
The Business School has always had an excellent reputation. I’d known friends who studied their undergraduate degrees there who had always spoken very highly of the professors and the learning content. Likewise, they’d all graduated with excellent job prospects and I was keen to have those same opportunities!
What role did volunteering play in your path and why do you think it is so important to give back?
During my Masters, volunteering enabled me to enrich my professional experience. I served as one of the CIM (Chartered Institute of Marketing) representatives for my cohort, which allowed me to learn from industry experts and access valuable resources. Additionally, I had a brief but fulfilling volunteer marketing role at Zest Psychology in Brighton.
I’m now lucky to work somewhere that actively encourages volunteering. At Bird & Blend, we are given eight paid volunteering hours per year, which has been a lovely way to give back to local community charities like Together Co. and Pelican Parcels.
I also still occasionally volunteer at the primary school where I used to work, helping with display boards and end-of-term events. That school holds a special place in my heart, so I think I’ll always feel the need to give back to them.
What does a day in your job look like?
My role is incredibly varied! I work with many different stems of our lovely tea-drinking community (or “communiTEA”). An average day could involve hosting online or in-person events, community meet-ups and tea-tasting panels for our most dedicated customers (The Brew SocieTEA). I also spend a lot of time organising events for exciting new product launches. My favourite so far was our collaboration with Wicked: For Good, where we transformed the back of a Bird & Blend store into a witchy wonderland!
I also work with an array of highly talented influencers – handling outreach, writing briefs and managing contracts. Supporting charities is another big part of my day, whether it’s coordinating raffle prizes or onboarding new partners for our ChariTEA of the Quarter program. I also support our B2B customers, ensuring their orders are communicated and sent out smoothly.
Never underestimate the power of authenticity. Your community is looking for that right now.” MEGAN BOND
Strategic Marketing
What role does the Bird and Blend CommuniTEA play within the brand?
Bird & Blend is one of those brands that truly values its community. In our stores it’s the genuine, authentic relationships that are built which keep people returning.
In a world that is oversaturated with content, the actual humans that brands are trying to speak to can get forgotten.
What advice would you give to anyone looking to build and engage a community?
Never underestimate the power of authenticity. Your community is looking for that right now. This comes with the caveat of adhering to brand guidelines, so I would suggest making sure your personal values align with the brand you’re working for.
In practice, you should:
- interact with and try to remember the little quirks about your community members
- don’t be afraid to use humour
- finally, listen and don’t take things too personally. A loyal community is a brand’s most valuable asset for feedback. Use those insights to improve the customer experience and see every critique as an opportunity to make things even better.
What is your favourite tea flavour? Most underrated flavour?
My favourite tea flavour is always changing! At the moment, I’d say Starry Night – a fruity, herbal blend from our most recent Christmas collection. In terms of the most underrated flavour, I’d have to say Fire & Ice, it’s a sophisticated Pu’erh tea that really tingles the taste buds.
What would you say to someone who is thinking of making a change in their career?
Go for it. Whether you’re feeling stuck, burnt out, or just have a quiet curiosity to try something new, please know that it is okay to take that leap. While it feels terrifying at first, it is also incredibly invigorating!
My best advice is:
- try and romanticise your journey
- throw yourself into every little opportunity with an open mind
- celebrate every single win, no matter how small
- even the ‘losses’ are worth celebrating, because every rejection is just a signpost pointing you away from a role that wasn’t the right fit anyway.
If you were to describe Sussex in 3 words, what would they be?
Vibrant, supportive, empowering.
Megan is among thousands of inspiring alumni on Sussex Connect. Join now to seek mentoring and industry advice and get a head start on your career.