Cardiff represents a huge opportunity for your career, with head offices of big-name brands such as Admiral Group, Arriva Trains and Euro Foods Group all located here.
If you’re looking for a big-city feel with easy access to mountains and beaches, then Cardiff is the ideal place. In fact, the city regularly ranks tops for polls including the most liveable capital city, and city with the most green spaces.
Working in Cardiff
While some of the larger industries in Cardiff are health, retail and education, it goes without saying that there is a thriving digital marketing scene.
Whether you want to start your career in PPC, SEO, content, social media, PR or any other strand of digital marketing, there’s many opportunities in Cardiff.
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I find the agency life keeps everyday different. I get to work with a variety of clients, with different personalities and different goals from their marketing strategies. I love helping them to grow and reach their goals. To graduates aspiring to work in the industry, I would firstly try and get any experience possible - as you never know where it may take you. And secondly, show people that you have a passion for not only marketing, but also people. It's key to understanding a business and people really appreciate enthusiasm, as well as knowledge.
Sophie Webber, All Trousers
Does degree subject matter?*
0%
Have degrees
0%
Have marketing degrees
0%
Have business degrees
Other
degrees include creative writing and electrical engineering
*stats from included agency owners/managers
Career-building opportunities
If you’re looking to build your digital marketing knowledge and meet like-minded professionals, make sure to visit these events whilst living and working in Cardiff.
One of the UK’s most cost-effective capitals, Cardiff beats the likes of London, Bristol, Edinburgh and Birmingham for cost of living (it’s 147% cheaper than London, to be precise!).
It’s pretty great, considering the career opportunities Cardiff holds – not to mention all the cool things you can do in your time off!
Living Costs*
Average cost of a one bed flat (monthly rent)
£689.77 (city centre)
£543.06 (outside city centre)
Average monthly commuting costs
£53
Monthly gym membership
£24.35
Average cost of a meal at an inexpensive restaurant
Cardiff’s first 100% vegan cafe is a must visit – whether or not you’re vegan, they serve delicious food all day long.
Run by a Hare Krishna monk, this cafe is welcoming to everyone.
It is also perfect for those who care for the environment, as Anna Loka has a zero waste policy – even the chairs have been upcycled!
Don’t miss out on some of their workshops such as the raw chocolate truffle making class. They even do home deliveries that you can order online, so you don’t even have to leave your home to get some of this vegan goodness.
Take an exciting behind the scenes tour of the BBC and see what happens behind the curtain.
Learn about what goes into your favourite shows and how they are made in this insightful guide to the BBC.
The tour also allows you to see into the world of radio too, you could find out how they broadcast radio programmes on BBC Radio Wales and BBC radio Cymru.
Join the thousands of others who have taken this highly popular tour and make sure to keep up to date with their tours or any changes by looking at their social media pages.
Discover 2000 years of history in this incredible castle by taking a tour round the castle apartments, the Roman Wall, Norman Keep and wartime shelters.
Cardiff Castle is also home to one of Cardiff’s most recognisable landmarks, the Clock Tower, which you can go to the top of.
You may even recognise the castle from BBC hit dramas such as Sherlock and Doctor Who, as they both used the castle as a stunning backdrop. Take a separate tour of the film locations to learn more.
See a historically accurate trebuchet in the castle grounds or walk through the tunnels that sheltered approximately 1800 people during the Second World War – there is so much to do, it will be a jam-packed day!
This permanent indoor flea market is full of hidden gems. With new stock each week there is always some treasure to be found.
From vintage clothes and vinyls, to precious antiques, you will be filled with nostalgia at the Cardiff indoor market. It is also perfect for collectibles, often rare and unique things can be spotted here.
Open every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday (even on bank holidays) from 9am – 5pm, be sure to visit this Aladdin’s cave of wonders.
This small, remote limestone island located in the Bristol Channel is rich in wildlife as it is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), with many protected species living there.
Flat Holm Island also has a deep history as it dates back to the Anglo-Saxon and Viking age. In the 18th century it was used for smuggling, and the first wireless signals over open sea were transmitted here.
The isolated location of this island adds to its character and offers incredible views of the coasts of both Wales and England.
Where? Flat Holm Island, South Wales Cost:£5 plus transport to the island Website: cardiffharbour.com
Immerse yourself in a world of technology with these state-of-the-art VR experiences.
Go on adventures ranging from space exploration, scuba diving and roller coasters without ever leaving the room!
Created by world class CGI experts, it transports you into another world for a realistic experience unlike any other. You can try multiple cinematic or gaming experiences within a session, just buy a pass based on the length of time you want to go for.
If you love movies, then why not try the VR Cinema Pod where you can experience multi-directional sound and movement in a whole new experience of cinema?
Where? St David’s Shopping Centre, CF10 2DQ (Queen’s Arcade end) Cost:Vary – check out their website Website: immotionvr.com
This museum and art gallery stands inside scenic castle grounds in a late 16th century manor house.
There is loads to see from collections of natural history, to fine art – including one of Europe’s greatest collections of impressionist art.
From dinosaurs to the Bronze Age, you can cover millions of years of Wales’ beautiful history in this one museum. Explore what went on in the coal mining industry, and look into the everyday lives of people in history.
Not only can you get lost in the rich history of the place, but you can also enjoy modern creations as they hold demonstrations of traditional crafts each day – you can even buy some of their work to take home.
Transport yourself back to the 1920s in this adorable vintage tearoom, complete with 20s music and ornate china plates.
Located inside the gates of Bute Park, you will be dining in castle walls – the perfect setting for an afternoon out.
The afternoon tea is utterly delicious, overflowing with home baked cakes and sandwiches – it looks almost too good to eat! They also do gluten and dairy free options, so they truly cater for everyone.
Have a go at learning how to make some sourdough bread in one of Pettigrew’s day courses and try your own creations.
Where? Castle West Lodge, Bute Park & Arboretum, Castle Street, Cardiff, CF10 1BJ Cost:£8-10 for food, £16.45pp afternoon tea Website: pettigrew-tearooms.com
This is a very unique way of having ice cream, as it’s the only place in Wales to have liquid nitrogen ice cream.
Enter the lab for some of the coolest desserts in Cardiff, or if you fancy something a bit quirkier, try a glow in the dark drink. Alongside the traditional flavours, Science Cream likes to experiment with flavours, from bacon and egg flavour to Christmas tree!
You can also hire the place for a ‘science party’ where you can make your own edible scientific creations.
Dine at The Clink and help your community whilst eating delicious food.
This restaurant is unique as it is set in a prison, where all the food is prepared and served to you by prisoners in training.
Help integrate them into society again as they work towards qualifications in catering and horticulture by even growing the food they serve. The Clink is a charity focused on helping prisoners take their first steps.
The quality is high here at The Clink, and the restaurant ranks in the top 10 for all of Cardiff, so we recommend visiting it!
Choose from a choice of two different 18 hole crazy golf courses.
Enter the rainforest on the Tropical Trail with toucans and frogs to guide your way, or make your way round the Ancient Explorer course where you putt over the mystic river.
Have the chance to win a free round of golf at the bonus 19th hole – but you only get one chance at it!
Enjoy the exotic cocktails and artisan pizzas from Pizza Pronto right next to the golf courses. Just turn up and have fun – there’s no need to book.
Where? Level P3, St David’s, Cardiff, CF10 2EL Cost:£8.50 for 1 course, £13.50 for 2 courses Website: adventuregolf.com
Calling all thrill seekers! Do you like the sound of a two hour adventure tackling the twists and turns of the turbulent currents?!
Whether you are already a pro or want to give white water rafting a try for the first time, they welcome all abilities.
They also offer paddleboarding, kayaking and canoeing – but don’t worry, as these are on much calmer waters. These include training sessions for those who want to improve their skills and potentially take qualifications.
After venturing into the cold water, warm up and tuck into some delicious hot food at their on-site cafe to end the perfect day.
Where? Cardiff International White Water, Watkiss Way, Cardiff Bay, CF11 0SY