At Prospect 13, we are proud to announce that our founder and CEO, Cerri McDonald, has been recognised by Aberdeen Business School at Robert Gordon University (RGU) for her on-going commitment to inspiring marketing talent.
Thanks to her role as Industry Partner, Cerri accepted an award at a ceremony at RGU this week to celebrate her contribution to helping students gain real-world marketing experience.
As an industry partner, we will continue providing hands-on opportunities that bridge the gap between academic study and practical work in the field of marketing. Working alongside the university, Cerri has been involved in initiatives such as helping to shape the Digital Marketing course curriculum, taking on placement students and recruiting graduates.
Cerri has always been passionate about mentoring the next generation of marketers and, reflecting on her own career journey, she shared:
“I wish I’d received better career advice and guidance that considered not just my academic strengths but also what motivates me and gets me out of bed in the morning. My personal experience when considering my future career path has fuelled my commitment to helping the next generation. If I can inspire even a few people to pursue marketing because it ignites a passion in them, then I’ll be happy.”
Since launching Prospect 13 in 2018, Cerri has built a business that is focused on delivering impactful marketing strategies to SME’s while also creating valuable learning opportunities for young professionals.
Over the years, several RGU students have completed placements with us, gaining valuable work experience and developing key industry skills. Many have gone on to secure full-time roles after demonstrating their dedication and talent. Our commitment to nurturing emerging talent was recognised in 2023 when we won Best Student Placement at the Northern Star Business Awards.
“It’s essential to dedicate time and energy to our young people, and I’m proud to take an active role in shaping and inspiring the workforce of the future,” continued Cerri.
“I have watched placement students grow into highly motivated and successful marketers through mentoring and work experience at Prospect 13.”
The latest involvement with Aberdeen Business School highlights the positive impact of industry collaboration, allowing students to gain the confidence and skills needed for a successful career.
Beyond student placements, we actively participate in skills development programmes, including Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) and the Young Persons Guarantee. For two years, Cerri mentored a Career Ready student, helping her confidently transition into the working world. With a strong focus on improving future outlooks, we remain committed to supporting young professionals as they begin their careers.
