Representing Carswell Gould and the University of Winchester at #VFS25
Introduction
Standing on the show floor at Venturefest South 2025 as a final-year marketing student from the University of Winchester was one of those moments where everything I had worked towards suddenly felt very real. This was not just another university trip or networking event. I was representing Carswell Gould during my placement year and the University of Winchester, stepping into the creative and commercial world as a professional rather than a student watching from the sidelines.
VFS 2025 was busy, loud, ambitious and full of ideas. Start-ups were pitching the next big thing, investors were scanning the room for potential, and designers, founders, and creatives moved with purpose. Being part of that energy, and being trusted to contribute to it, was genuinely eye-opening.
Wearing Multiple Hats on the Day
My primary role at #VFS25 was supporting Carswell Gould by capturing photography throughout the event. This meant moving confidently through the venue, documenting real interactions rather than staged moments: conversations between investors and founders, handshakes after promising pitches, focused discussions over coffee, and quieter moments of preparation before important meetings.
Photography in this environment is not just about getting a sharp image. It is about understanding what matters. As a marketing student, I had to think strategically about brand representation, audience and message, considering how each image could be used to tell a wider story about Carswell Gould and the value it brings.
I had to quickly assess who was who, which conversations were important, and when to step in or step back. Investors and new business owners are often deep in discussion, so timing, awareness and professionalism were essential.
Beyond photography, I was also representing the Carswell Gould brand. That meant being approachable, confident and clear about who I was working with and why. Every interaction mattered, from quick introductions to longer conversations about the agency’s work and values. It was a real test of communication, professionalism, and adaptability, all skills central to my marketing degree.
Engaging with Investors and Founders
One of the most valuable parts of the experience was speaking directly with new business owners looking for investment. These were not hypothetical case studies. These were people putting real ideas, real money and real risk on the table.
From a marketing perspective, it was fascinating to see how founders position their brands, communicate their value propositions and tell their stories under pressure. I also interacted with investors, observing how they engage with start-ups: the questions they ask, the way they listen and the moments that spark genuine interest.
Seeing this dynamic up close reinforced how important clear messaging, strategy and storytelling are, core principles I study as part of my degree.
Creating Content for Hamble Lifeboats Charity
Alongside my work at #VFS25, I was given the opportunity to create marketing content for Hamble Lifeboats, a local charity raising funds for a new lifeboat. Being trusted with this responsibility was incredibly meaningful and showed how marketing and creative skills can be used to support causes that genuinely matter.
The aim of the content was to help raise awareness and money towards funding a new lifeboat, something vital to the safety of the local community. This experience allowed me to apply what I have learned about ethical marketing, audience engagement and purpose-led campaigns.
Knowing that my work could contribute, even in a small way, to a life-saving cause made the experience especially rewarding.
Representing the University of Winchester
Alongside my placement responsibilities, I was also proud to represent the University of Winchester as a final-year marketing student. Many conversations naturally turned to my course, my placement year and how university had prepared me for environments like this.
It was incredibly rewarding to speak confidently about my education, not from a scripted perspective but from lived experience. The combination of marketing theory, creative practice and real-world placement had clearly paid off, allowing me to contribute meaningfully in a professional setting.
Why This Experience Mattered
#VFS25 mattered because it directly connected my degree to industry. It challenged me to apply marketing theory in real time, thinking about branding, communication, audience and impact in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
Seeing how branding, investment, innovation and creativity intersect in real time was inspiring. It reinforced why I chose to study marketing and showed how versatile and valuable the skill set is across different industries.
Looking Forward
Representing Carswell Gould and the University of Winchester at #VFS25 was not just a line on my CV. It was a confidence boost, a learning experience and a clear reminder of how my marketing degree is shaping my future career.
