Since graduating from UCL School of Management’s BSc Management Science programme, Dasha Butuzova has built an international career at the intersection of creativity, strategy and community building. Now based in Berlin, she works as a Creative Consultant specialising in brand storytelling, social media and marketing communication, while also co-founding two ventures, YCC and Yap Circle, that support founders, creatives and self-starters.

We recently caught up with Dasha to learn more about her work in Berlin’s creative industries, how the Management Science programme helped shape her problem-solving approach and multidisciplinary thinking, and her advice for graduates forging their own paths in an increasingly non-linear job market.

Tell us about yourself

My name is Dasha Butuzova, and I am a Creative Consultant based in Berlin. I work across brand storytelling, social media and marketing communication. I specialise in developing concepts and strategies that help brands stay relevant, distinctive and memorable.

What is your current role?

I am currently building my personal brand while working independently as a consultant. I am also a co-founder of YCC, a creative and social media consultancy, as well as Yap Circle, a community for self-starters in Berlin. Both projects allow me to combine creativity, strategy and community building in ways that reflect how I like to work.

What have been your career highlights so far?

A few standouts include:
• Building YCC from scratch and working with brands and startups on founder branding, social presence and storytelling.
• Leading creative and strategy for national campaigns and established brands.
• Working across London and Berlin’s creative industries and finding my own niche as a multidisciplinary consultant.
• Co-creating Yap Circle, which has grown into a space for creatives to connect, exchange ideas and build meaningful networks.

Did the BSc Management Science programme prepare you for your current role? If so, in what ways?

Absolutely. The programme taught me problem-solving in the most intense way possible (hello, Scenario Weeks!). It is a skill I use every single day. The degree gave me a strong foundation and a level of confidence that I bring into everything I do, even when the work is not directly related to management science. It also encouraged me to combine creative and analytical thinking, which has now become the core of my approach as a consultant.

How were your experiences of the graduate job market, and what advice would you give to graduates?

My own path was very non-linear. I explored different creative industries, lived in three countries, went freelancing and eventually started building my own brand. The biggest lesson I learned was not to panic if you do not land your “perfect job” immediately. I honestly do not think careers are linear anymore.

Dasha’s Career Tips

• Get creative, start doing things (even, or especially, when they are not perfect) and allow yourself to experiment.
• Build a portfolio of projects, including small or passion projects.
• Do not be afraid to reach out and make your own opportunities. Side hustles or non-work projects can lead to unexpected connections and open more doors than traditional job searching.
• Network in a genuine way, attend events and do not be afraid to build a professional community around you. Many of my best opportunities came through human connections.

Find out more about UCL School of Management’s MSc/BSci Management Science