Jonathan Galloway

What brought you to Teesside University?

As I wanted to study close to home, my primary decision was based on location, and Teesside University was closest to me. I had also had recommendations from previous students, and attended an open day, which was a welcoming experience.

What was your course like?

Overall my course was a positive experience. Some subject areas felt very modern. I had a number of favourite topics largely those covering digital marketing and marketing in practice – these modules focused on real, modern day, commercially driven applications of knowledge, and the learning gained from these modules can be used in every day practice.

The best thing about my course was that it had links with external companies – this was useful with my career progression later on.

Did you do any part-time work or work experience during your studies?

Throughout the first two and a half years of my course I worked for a local retail store, I was able to fit it around my course commitments and it delivered invaluable experiences and contributed to my later career decisions.

In this time, I also carried out a number of small digital marketing and technology projects of my own. This helped me to gain experience and technical knowledge which allowed me to apply my knowledge from my degree to a real-life setting.

In my final year, University staff introduced me to a local SME, which resulted in a three month paid placement. Again, this provided a great networking experience and furthered my career opportunities.

What have you done since graduating?

Since graduating I’ve been lucky enough to work with some very interesting people, in a number of very different sectors.

Today, I am self-employed, in partnership with someone I met as a result of my three month placement in my third year. My main responsibility at the moment is to deliver a number of company-wide digital programmes used for change management, operational efficiency, technology adoption and commercial decision making.