Musician, fitness instructor….and now, graduate!

Achieving a BA (Hons) degree in Business Studies at the University of Teesside has paid dividends for Mike Russell, as he has clinched a graduate trainee post with a multi-national company, Cleanaway Industrial Waste, based in Manchester. Mike, 23, from Salford, came to the Middlesbrough-based University with 'A'levels in English Language, History and Computer Studies, and Teesside was his first choice.

Mike, who lived at Haddon Street, Middlesbrough, while at University said: "I came to the University's Open Day in the second year of my 'A' levels, and liked the campus with its friendly atmosphere. I chose Business Studies because of the people aspect of the course. Other modules will really be useful in the workplace, such as principles of management and international business strategy."

He completed a year's placement in the University's School of Business & Management following the second year of his degree, helping with student placements and admissions.

Away from the textbooks, Mike enjoyed a range of student activities, including playing guitar in a group, Badja, formed with three other Teesside students. The band, who were named after a 1970's T-Rex track, 'Buzzing the Badja', played at venues in Teesside, Newcastle and Manchester. In addition to music, Mike explored the world of sport, by qualifying as a fitness instructor and working part-time in the University's fitness Centre.

He was also Chair of Interlink, the largest society in Teesside's Students' Union, which was formed to build friendships between British and international students. In his role Mike organised trips to Edinburgh, Durham, York, and the Lake District. "I met many international students when I worked in the School of Business & Management. Helping to organise visits which showed them around Britain was a good experience."

Mike gained his new post after three intensive interviews, and will start work in September. Over the summer Mike is continuing with his studies, by enrolling for German classes. Mike is the son of Alan and Mair Russell.

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