Philip Jordan

Philip Jordan, BA (Hons) Geography graduate (1998), is Director of Marketing Operations at Microsoft, where he has spent over 20 years. He oversees a global marketing program with 650 vendor staff across 60 countries and has even produced market intelligence briefings for Bill Gates.

Philip credits Kent's international community for fostering his passion for diversity and preparing him for a multinational career. 

Tell us about your career path since graduation.

After graduating from Kent, I moved to South London with a friend and Kent Alumnus. We both worked at Thomas Cook for six months in their foreign currency department located near Green Park. After completing my short term contract with Thomas Cook, I signed up to a recruitment agency and landed a role within a Direct Marketing agency. I spent 4.5 years progressing through the company, eventually managing a team of 10+ data analysts. After leaving in 2003, I moved to Microsoft to take a contractor role as a Database Marketing specialist. The role was made permanent in Aug 2004, and I have spent the rest of my career in field & global marketing operations positions, recently completing 20 years at the company.

What does a typical work day look like for you?

I manage a team of 8 permanent employees and oversee a globally outsourced marketing program that is staffed through 650 vendor staff located in 60 countries. My day to day work can be quite varied as we work with Field Marketing teams to execute Events, Social Media & Marketing Analytics operations to enable local marketing strategies. Whilst I am based in the UK, my team is remotely distributed with my manager located in Seattle. I spend most of my time working from home on Teams calls. I also meet with marketing agencies.

Can you share a professional highlight from your career so far?

Spending 20 years at Microsoft and being part of its success. Earlier in my career, I also produced Market Intelligence briefing documents for Bill Gates.

How did your time at Kent help you achieve your current career?

Kent has a large international student community, and that exposure to different nationalities and cultures helped prepare me for a multinational environment such as Microsoft. I'm particularly passionate about workplace diversity which in part stems from my time at Kent.

What advice would you give to our current/prospective students who are looking to get into the same line of work?

Find ways to get close to the field or company you want to work for. That may not necessary start with a permanent position. Internships, volunteer work, contracting, or joining groups and societies (e.g. Women in Tech) are all good ways to meet people and open up possible opportunities that can help kickstart your career.

Did you get involved in any extracurricular activities as a student?

Yes. I was a member of the Mountaineering Society and participated in hiking and climbing trips across the UK.

Do you have a favourite memory from your time at Kent?

Too many to list. However you live your life at Kent, just choose to embrace it and make as many memories as you can.

Is there anything you would do differently if you could repeat your time at Kent?

No. I had a great experience, made some friends for life and gained a degree that has helped me to secure a career in technology. Possibly, if I was to choose my degree subject again, I would choose business studies or computer science, but geography was a subject I really enjoyed throughout my school and A-level years. It also came with the added benefit of a field trip to Malta!

Are you still in touch with other Kent alumni or academics?

Yes. My closest friendship group are Kent alumni.

What are your future ambitions?

After twenty years at Microsoft, I'm planning on taking a career break. I'm looking forward to spending time with family, travel and considering my next career move.