When April Rose walked across the stage of the Waterfront Hall to receive her degree certificate, it marked another milestone in a remarkable run of achievements during her time at Ulster University. Establishing April Rose Marketing during her placement year, graduation provided a moment for April to reflect on her rapid rise from student entrepreneur to business owner, and how hard work, determination and a leap of faith helped to build a thriving business.
After leaving school, April spent several years working in retail, developing hands-on experience in social media marketing. It was only later, at 22, that she made the decision to return to education – applying through Clearing just weeks before term began.
“I thought I might feel out of place going back,” she says. “But I fitted right in from the start.”
Finding direction through enterprise
While she initially kept a low profile during her first two years, everything changed when she applied for Ulster University’s Enterprise Placement Year (EPY) – a programme designed to help students create and grow their own businesses.
For April, taking part in the Enterprise Placement Year was a turning point.
“What started as helping a friend with an Etsy shop turned into me thinking, ‘why not give this a go properly?’”
With guidance from Ulster University’s Employability and Enterprise team, including mentor Jackie Smyth, April launched April Rose Marketing – a consultancy specialising in social media, website design, SEO and photography for small businesses.
The growth was rapid. What began with a single client quickly evolved into a business now supporting dozens of organisations across Northern Ireland, helping startups and established brands build their online presence.
She credits the Enterprise Placement Year with the speed of her success, saying:
“It felt like someone was holding my hand through the process. I made three to four years of progress in just one year.”
Building a business while studying
Balancing a growing business alongside final year studies was not without its challenges.
From managing constant client communication to staying on top of coursework deadlines, April credits strong support from her lecturers and access to bursaries with helping her stay on track.
“Keeping in touch with my course team made a huge difference – they really understood what I was trying to do.”
Her determination paid off. While completing her degree, April continued to scale her consultancy, working with major clients including KP Snacks, the NI Running Show and hospitality businesses, while also maintaining a strong pipeline of smaller local brands.
Recognition beyond the classroom
April’s success and tenacity has not gone unnoticed.
In 2026, she was shortlisted as a finalist in the Women in Business Awards, recognised among Northern Ireland’s top emerging female entrepreneurs. She was also named in the Belfast Telegraph’s “30 Under 30”, cementing her reputation as one of the region’s rising business talents.
“At first I thought it was a prank! But it’s a real credibility marker – it shows you’re not just a student business, you’re the real deal.”
Creating opportunities for others
Looking ahead, April has ambitious plans to expand her business. Over the next five years, she hopes to establish a physical premises, grow her team, and continue collaborating with fellow Ulster graduates – she’s even hoping to offer placements to current students, in what would be a full circle moment.
“I’d love to employ people from my own year group. Ulster University has given me so many opportunities, it would be great to give something back.”
April is one of more than 5000 students graduating from Ulster University this summer, with ten days of celebrations taking place at ceremonies in Belfast, Coleraine & Derry~Londonderry.
Outside of work, she also emphasises the importance of balance, with running playing a key role in maintaining routine and wellbeing within a career centred around social media.
A message to future students
Reflecting on her journey, April is clear about the impact Ulster University has had.
“The opportunities have been immense. The staff have put me in the rooms with the people I needed to meet.”
Her advice to others considering university later in life is simple:
“It’s never too late to start. Don’t be afraid to try new things – what’s the worst that could happen?”
As she prepares to graduate, April Rose is leaving Ulster University with a degree, a flourishing business and a growing reputation as one of Northern Ireland’s most exciting young entrepreneurs. She is proof that sometimes the boldest decisions lead to the biggest rewards.
