Already an experienced digital marketing professional, she returned to study to deepen her expertise and sharpen her strategic thinking. Her journey shows how postgraduate education can strengthen a marketer's skill set and how the SIM-University of London programme supported her at a pivotal stage in her career.
Stacy graduated from the University of London with a Graduate Diploma in Business Analytics, earning a Merit. She began her academic journey at Yangon University of Economics in Myanmar, where she built a strong foundation in business and later moved into roles in digital marketing, social media, and campaign management across e-commerce and online media agencies.
Her decision to pursue further education came from recognising a gap in her own skill set. "I frequently worked with data, analysing campaign performance, tracking customer behaviour, and measuring ROI," she explains. "I wanted to deepen my analytical skills to make more strategic, data-driven decisions in my career."
She chose the SIM–University of London programme for its strong international reputation and academic excellence, and because the flexibility of studying at SIM allowed her to continue growing professionally at the same time.
A Different Kind of Classroom
Coming from a university background in Myanmar, the biggest difference Stacy noticed at SIM was the teaching style. "It was much more interactive than what I was used to," she recalls. "There were open discussions between lecturers and students, which I really enjoyed."
Beyond academics, she found a vibrant student life shaped by a wide range of student clubs, from sports and arts to cultural, international and special interest groups. With so many options, students can easily find a community that aligns with their interests.
What surprised her most, however, was the learning environment itself.
"The campus was comfortable, well-equipped, and there was a lot of flexibility in how we managed our learning," she says. "Overall, it felt very supportive," she adds.
Stacy also made use of SIM's Career Connect services, including a consultation with her career advisor. With several years of professional experience already behind her, she approached this with a clear goal of positioning herself for the next stage of her career. The guidance she received helped her think more clearly about her direction and next steps.
The Apprenticeship That Set Her Apart
One of the most significant experiences during Stacy's time at SIM was an apprenticeship with SIM's Regional Marketing Team as a Content Creator focused on the Myanmar market.
Before joining SIM, she had already accumulated several years of professional experience in marketing, and when she saw the apprenticeship announcement, she felt it was a strong fit given her background.
"Many young people in Myanmar are actively looking for quality education opportunities abroad," she notes. "Being able to share my genuine experience and insights about SIM felt like I was giving them something valuable. It was both personally rewarding and professionally relevant at the same time."
Her most successful project was a video titled "Why Did We Choose SIM?", created in collaboration with fellow Burmese students. By sharing real and personal experiences on camera, the content resonated strongly and became one of the top performing pieces for the Myanmar audience.
The experience also broadened her perspective on marketing. It introduced her to a more structured and strategic approach and challenged her to adapt her skills in a new working environment.
Growing Across Markets
Living and working across Yangon, Chiang Mai and Singapore also played a part in shaping the marketer she has become. In Myanmar, she developed a deep understanding of the local consumer mindset. Working in Chiang Mai taught her how to adapt quickly to a new environment. Studying at SIM added a more structured and strategic dimension to how she approaches marketing. "These experiences made me more adaptable and culturally aware, which I believe makes me a stronger marketer," she shares.
From Execution to Strategy
Today, Stacy works remotely as a Senior Brand Manager and is currently based in Thailand. She leads marketing efforts for WAI PHYOE, a food production and distribution brand under Get and Start in Yangon. Her role spans both digital and offline channels, from Facebook, TikTok, and web platforms to outdoor advertising and in-store materials.
She is also developing the brand's e commerce website, applying concepts from her Graduate Diploma modules.
"I was able to apply what I learned very quickly," she says. "The frameworks gave me structure and the confidence to lead the project."
Before SIM, Stacy describes herself as "definitely more of a hands-on marketer," with her experience largely focused on executing campaigns, managing social media and delivering results on the ground.
After completing her Graduate Diploma, that changed. "SIM taught me how to look at the bigger picture, use data to drive decisions and think more critically about brand positioning and market opportunities," she explains.
Looking at her career now, she sees her strength in that balance. Her hands on experience gives her strong grounding, while her strategic thinking allows her to lead with clarity and confidence.
Her Advice to Students
When asked what she would tell current SIM students who want to build strong employability in marketing or branding, Stacy is direct.
"Don't just study marketing. Practise it."
She encourages students to take every opportunity available at SIM, whether it is an apprenticeship, a student club or a project, and treat it like real work. "Academic knowledge gives you the framework, but real experience gives you confidence. The combination of both is what makes you stand out to employers."