Graduate named in DMG Media’s ‘40 Under 40’ young marketing stars

Marketing and Digital Communications MA (Online) graduate Andie Cooper is at the forefront of marketing and PR. Having risen from account executive to account director by the age of 25, she was recently selected as one of the PR industry’s most brilliant young minds by DMG Media Ireland as part of the ‘40 under 40’ series.  

Currently working as international PR director at Beachhut PR in Dublin, she completed her master’s degree alongside her fast-paced role, refining her digital storytelling and globally-focused marketing prowess and becoming a specialist in corporate communications strategies for innovative tech.  

We chatted to Andie about her bold ambitions, her time on the course and how the MA helped to supercharge her career.  

What made you decide to return to education, and why did you choose Falmouth? 

I always knew that I would return to academia at some point after my undergraduate degree. My original plan was to work for a year, save, and then pursue a full-time master’s. However, life had other plans! I found myself in a role and a company I loved, and I couldn’t walk away from that opportunity. Instead, I sought out a way to balance both, leading me to Falmouth.  

I truly believe I wouldn’t be where I am today without the knowledge and perspective this course provided.

Given the fast pace of my life and career, the flexibility of an online master’s degree was especially appealing, and when I read the prospectus, I was sold. The course content and structure were so well thought out that I couldn’t find a single reason not to move forward. On top of that, the warmth and support I received from the staff, even before enrolling, made me feel at home at Falmouth, without ever setting foot on campus.

As someone already working within the marketing industry, what did you take from the course? 

I often reflect on my time on the Marketing & Digital Communications course and how it ended up largely shaping my career progression. When I first applied, I was a junior account executive with just 14 months of public relations experience. Bluntly, I was still very new to the field. Today, I am an International PR Director at the same company, a quick rise that happened in under three years, all while completing this course. People have asked whether, knowing the speed of my career progression, I would have still pursued a master's alongside my growing responsibilities, and my answer remains a solid 'yes'. I truly believe I wouldn’t be where I am today without the knowledge and perspective this course provided.  

Working in a specialist agency, like PR, can sometimes create a narrow view of marketing, where you see your discipline as an isolated function. This MA broadened my perspective, showing me how different marketing efforts should work together as part of a cohesive strategy. It made me more results-driven, more collaborative, and more attuned to the bigger picture. Balancing work and study wasn’t a struggle - it was an advantage, and I often find myself - sometimes even subconsciously - applying insights I gained from various disciplines, such as media planning and branding, in client meetings. It has expanded both my strategic thinking and practical approach, giving me a broader, more well-rounded perspective. 

How did you find studying online?  

I loved the online format - it gave me the flexibility to learn on my own terms. Having control over when and how I studied wasn’t just convenient, it was empowering. It allowed me to travel, balance different priorities as needed, and manage my work and studies effectively. 

My current goal is to continue growing our company, perhaps even integrating some of the other marketing specialties I explored during this course into our offering.

Have you worked on anything since that you’re particularly proud of?  

I recently led a workshop on personal branding at a female-focused founders’ event, where I advised on how it can help shape and scale businesses. It was an incredible opportunity to connect with truly inspiring women entrepreneurs while applying insights from my master's studies. I was also honoured to be recognised as one of DMG Media’s ’40 Under 40’ PR players for 2024 in Ireland. 

What are your ambitions for the future? 

I love my job for the pace, the challenge and the ability to support technology that is going to change the world. In my current role I lead a fantastic team of PR professionals, executing communications strategies for some of the most exciting and innovative players in the tech space. My current goal is to continue growing our company, perhaps even integrating some of the other marketing specialties I explored during this course into our offering. We’ll have to wait and see! 

Discover Marketing and Digital Communications MA (Online)