Megan completed a digital marketing degree apprenticeship with Manchester Metropolitan University before being promoted to her current role at Liverpool Cathedral. Read her top tips on networking and breaking into the sector
What qualifications did you study and where?
I studied digital marketing as a degree apprenticeship, meaning I was working full time while studying, applying what I learned in real time.
For me, that was invaluable because I wasn't just learning theory in a classroom, but I was also:
analysing data
running campaigns
testing ideas to see what actually worked in a live environment.
How did you get your job?
I found the role on Indeed, which directed me to Church Pathways - a specialist Church of England jobs board - where I submitted my application.
I then had an interview with the director of communications and the communications manager. I remember feeling excited but slightly unsure about what digital marketing would look like in a cathedral setting. It turns out it's a lot more dynamic than people expect.
What's a typical working day like?
My job is varied. One day I might be on the cathedral floor:
capturing behind-the-scenes footage of an art installation
filming content with our guides
promoting an upcoming event.
Another day might be heavy with meetings:
discussing partnerships
planning campaigns
reviewing analytics.
Since we host such a range of events - from worship services to large-scale installations and concerts - my content opportunities are incredibly varied. I've worked closely with our choir, and even travelled to Germany with them on tour for a long weekend to capture content. It's definitely not your typical office job.
I also work with city partners, as the cathedral plays a huge role in Liverpool's tourism and cultural landscape. We collaborate with local organisations and attractions, ensuring we're positioned not just as a place of worship, but as a cultural icon, events venue and visitor destination. It's a busy, sometimes chaotic place to work, but it's full of personality and I genuinely have a lot of fun.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
The people. My favourite moments are when I ask one of our guides to record a video for Instagram and they start telling me about the conversations they've had with visitors that week.
I'm a very sociable person, and relationship-building is a big part of my role. The cathedral can be a challenging place to work at times because people are often very set in their ways. I've found that taking genuine interest in what people do, making them feel seen and heard, and building trust through conversation makes everything easier.
A big part of this job is internal politics and navigating different perspectives - but I actually enjoy that side of it. There are so many brilliant and sometimes eccentric characters here. I love that I get to work with such a diverse mix of people.
What are the challenges?
As with many marketing roles, one of the biggest challenges is being proactive rather than reactive. In a historic institution like a cathedral, processes aren't always streamlined, and things can come up last minute. That means campaigns sometimes have shorter lead times than I'd ideally like.
I also have a range of responsibilities beyond just social media, so time and resources can be limited. I have so many creative ideas I'd love to execute, but prioritisation is essential. I think these challenges are common across the industry - especially when budgets and teams are tight.
How is your degree relevant?
My degree apprenticeship was in digital marketing and I work in the field, so it's very relevant.
That said, the reality of the job isn't always as neat as the models you learn at university. That's why the apprenticeship route suited me so well. I was learning theory while actively applying it, which meant there wasn't that shock of graduating and suddenly being in the real world.
How has your role developed and what are your career ambitions?
During my apprenticeship - around two years into the four-year course - I was promoted from digital marketing apprentice to digital marketing officer.
When my manager left, the director of our team decided not to refill the role since he felt I was capable of stepping up. That meant I took on a lot more responsibility quite early in my career, which massively boosted my development.
I work better when I'm thrown in the deep end and have to figure it out on my own. I've effectively operated at a higher level, so my next step hopefully would be to formally move into a senior or managerial role.
I love working in-house and building a brand long term, so I don't see myself moving to an agency environment. I'd be interested in working for a big-name brand or institution in the future, potentially in London or even Canada for a year or two - somewhere that would challenge me and broaden my experience.
What advice would you give to others wanting to get into this job?
Get hands-on experience early. Do work experience, shadow someone, or volunteer to run social media for a small business or charity. Employers care about proof that you can do the job.
Use free online courses to build your skills. Platforms like Google offer credible free certifications in analytics, ads and digital fundamentals. These help you stand out and show initiative.
Build your LinkedIn presence. Share insights, reflect on projects, connect with industry professionals and engage with content. Opportunities often come through visibility.
Network and take an interest in people - this has been the main driver for any success I've had so far. Marketing isn't just about trends and algorithms; it's about understanding people. If you can build relationships and communicate well, you’ll go far.
Digital marketing is fast-moving and sometimes chaotic, but if you're creative, adaptable and enjoy working with people, it's an incredibly rewarding job.
