Mark Gross

I always had a fascination in the way that businesses work and create value. I joined Bank of Scotland on their corporate banking graduate programme. I started working with Private Equity houses through the leverage Finance team and then quickly moved into one of their investment teams. Since then I have worked in different venture capital and private equity firms covering different type of investments, from early stage growth to mid-market buyouts. Interestingly, one of my previous lecturers at Northumbria and an academic author pitched to me for investment!

What are you doing now?

I am now a Partner at Downing LLP, a UK based investment firm with £1bn of funds under management. I have responsibility for running one of Downing’s key investment strategies and have led Downing to become recognised as the Healthcare Private Equity Investor of the Year at the HealthInvestor Awards 2020.

What was it about Northumbria that made you decide to study here?

Northumbria provides a Business Studies BA (Hons) course that provided flexible streams and a sandwich course balancing academic and practical business skills. It certainly put me ahead of my peers on my post university graduate trading programme.

What was it like studying at Northumbria?

A great experience with a good mixture of learning opportunities. I remember an alumni making a presentation about investment and it inspired me to follow a similar path.

How connected was your course with industry?

Very connected and ultimately provided a great way to hit the ground running at the start of my career. I did a sandwich course that was invaluable in setting theory against practice - particularly the benefits of seeking simplicity and common sense in decision making.

If you took on a placement during your course how did you feel this helped you in your career/ with your studies?:

See above - I met people that I still keep in touch with today and who provided me transferable soft skills that have proven to be as important as my academic learning.

What was the best thing about your course?

Graduating with a 1st class degree and building my confidence ahead of moving into the workplace.

How did studying at Northumbria help you achieve your career goals/ give your career an edge?

It helped me develop all-round abilities and such a broad base of business understanding.

Which skills/knowledge did you learn on your course that you use most now throughout your career?

Combining strategic thinking with financial acumen to make effective decisions.

What did you enjoy most about your time at Northumbria University?

The down to earth nature of other graduates (and Dene’s Deli!).

What advice would you give somebody who is considering studying at Northumbria?

Choose a course that genuinely interests you rather than the course that you think will get you the best job.

How would you describe your time at Northumbria in three words?

Experience to grow

For more information about me visit:

• Website
• LinkedIn