Lorena Diomidous née Caruso: BA Hons Marketing

Lorena Diomidous (née Caruso)

BA Hons Marketing, 1995

"I am Sales Director for a manufacturing company."

Luton’s proximity to London was a major factor for Lorena’s decision to come to the University.

She said: “When I started it was still a College of Higher Education and by the time I graduated it had University status, so I was there to see the changes and I was glad to be a part of it. I have no regrets about Luton at all."

“I enjoyed my course and have found the practical aspects of it very useful in the real world. Presentations and press releases are part of everyday life in the sales and marketing world and I often use the skills taught to me at Luton."

“I enjoyed student life and made some wonderful friends. I lived in a large house with 15 girls on London Road in the first year – we had lots of fun! I am still very close to Sarah LaRoche, Lindsey Carter and Tazeen Saeed (aka The Sheepsters!). I have also recently re-established contact with some other friends from Luton."

“We were really the pioneer students and the town was not really geared up for student life. But each year we saw more development within the college and the town, and by the time we left we had most facilities one needs for a good student life."

“After graduating, I was employed as a sales co-ordinator in Central London. I was responsible for new business development and for setting sales appointments for a team of six."

“Now I am sales director for a manufacturing company in London. I am responsible for all sales activities. My role also includes general management, product development and all aspects of the marketing process. I am also involved in the daily running of the company as a whole."

“My degree has been very useful and even ten years on, I do still refer back to books I used for my studies. My degree will always be relevant as I am so involved in the sales and marketing process."

“The lecturers I had during my time there were very helpful and I felt they really cared about us as individuals. Franco De Vita and Robert Hadland were two lecturers in particular that I will always be grateful to and hold in high esteem for the belief they had in the students, and for the practical and emotional support they showed to me during my time at the University."

“I have been happily married to Andy for six years. I met him one Christmas and kept in touch with him during my time at Luton."

“He is of Greek origin, hence the unpronounceable surname! We live in Hertfordshire and are enjoying suburban life very much – although still working in London. We have a wonderful daughter, Victoria, who is two."

“It is not easy to have a career and be a parent; however nothing is impossible with hard work, determination and a great deal of organisation!"

Interview took place in 2004.