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School of Economics and Finance

Marketing with purpose: My year in the Banking and Finance Society (QMBFS)

Emma Chapeland, a second-year Economics, Finance and Management student at Queen Mary University of London, reflects on her experience as Marketing Director of the Queen Mary Banking and Finance Society (QMBFS) during the 2024/2025 academic year. In this blog, she shares how she found her place in the society, what it taught her, and why working with a passionate team made all the difference.

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An image of Queen Mary Banking and Finance Society committee members

How it started  

I joined QMBFS in my first year at Queen Mary as a regular member. I remember being genuinely impressed by the quality of events, the professionalism of the branding, and the community that had formed around the society. So when applications opened for committee positions, I knew I wanted to be part of what made that happen. 

The application process was straightforward — it involved a form, a CV, and a speech in front of the previous committee. I spoke about my interest in finance, but also about how much I love storytelling, visual communication, and branding. I wanted to contribute by giving the society a clear and exciting voice online — one that students could relate to. 

When I was offered the Marketing Director role, I was over the moon. I couldn’t wait to get started — even if I had no idea how intense, rewarding, and transformative the year ahead would be. 

Behind the screens: A year in Marketing 

From the start, I realised that marketing wasn’t just about “posting on Instagram.” It was about community-building, strategic planning, and creative leadership.

This year, I learned to split tasks effectively and balance multiple commitments, from my academic workload and internships to leading marketing for QMBFS and other societies I was involved in. One of the biggest shifts was learning how to delegate and trust — and that’s where my incredible team of Marketing Ambassadors came in.

We worked hand-in-hand throughout the year to promote events, build anticipation, and showcase QMBFS as a professional yet approachable society. Whether it was latenight brainstorming, filming reels, experimenting with new formats, or reacting quickly to event changes, our team kept things dynamic and engaging.

An image of Queen Mary Banking and Finance Society committee members at Freshers Fair

Our focus wasn’t just to “post for the sake of posting” — we wanted to build loyalty, to make students feel like they were part of something valuable. It was so rewarding to see that come to life, especially when events were sold out or when we received messages from students who said they joined QMBFS because they saw our content.

Highlights of the role 

One of my favourite moments was working on our flagship events like the Financial Modelling Workshop and the Women in Finance Panel. These events had real impact, and showcasing them online in a way that matched their quality was something I took a lot of pride in.

Another highlight was when QMBFS was ranked #3 in the Huzzle 100, receiving honours awards for Best Innovation and Developement Society. Knowing that our marketing helped build that visibility and momentum was a proud moment for the whole team.

An image of Queen Mary Banking and Finance Society committee members

Also, I’ll never forget our internal meetings. They were filled with laughs, new ideas, and that buzzing energy you only get when everyone is working toward a shared goal. 

Lessons I'm taking with me  

This experience taught me so much more than how to design content or manage social media. I learned how to: 

  • Lead a team with empathy and vision 
  • Manage time under pressure 
  • Communicate clearly and effectively 
  • Balance strategy with creativity 
  • And most importantly: collaborate and trust others 

I also realised that no success is ever truly individual. Every visual, every story, every success was the result of working with a dedicated and passionate team — my ambassadors, the rest of the committee, and our members who supported us every step of the way. 

Advice for future committee members  

If you’re thinking about joining QMBFS or applying for a leadership role, my advice is simple: 

  • Don’t be afraid to try. You don’t need to be an expert in marketing or finance — you just need to care and be willing to learn. 
    Build a strong team. Surround yourself with people who are motivated and kind. 
  • Trust them, empower them, and celebrate every win together. 
  • Stay consistent. Whether it’s with posting, planning, or messaging — consistency is what builds trust and engagement. 
  • Keep your purpose in mind. Marketing isn’t just about visuals. It’s about communication. And at QMBFS, that communication helps students feel informed, included, and inspired. 

Final Thoughts  

Being Marketing Director for QMBFS has been one of the most rewarding parts of my university journey so far. It helped me grow in confidence, develop leadership and creative skills, and feel part of a mission bigger than myself.

If you're considering getting involved — do it. You’ll gain so much more than just experience for your CV. You’ll meet brilliant people, challenge yourself, and make a real impact.

Thank you to my ambassadors, my committee, and every member who engaged with what we created this year. You made the work meaningful and fun.

Here’s to another amazing year for QMBFS. 

 

 

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