I am from Darlington and had studied in Southampton, then worked in Manchester before starting the MA in Newcastle. I had been working in telecoms project management and through this course, found a route to using my skills in an area about which I am passionate and can actually make a difference. After the course I worked part time, full time and voluntarily in a range of roles covering project management, marketing, producing and co-ordination of various arts, primarily theatre, dance and festivals. I have worked for Councils, for arts organisations locally, nationally and internationally and for and with artists directly. I enjoy working with trainees and students and I am particularly interested in ways to support cross artform collaboration and engagement with audiences; I am now considering further study and research to develop these interests.
What are you doing now?
Running my own company and flagship project, a brand new theatre festival in the north east, working in partnership with national and international companies and artists. The company has a board made up of colleagues who I first met and got to know on the course.
How did studying at Northumbria help you achieve your career goals / give your career an edge?
It provided an introduction to what was at the time an industry that was virtually brand new to me, and the tools to contribute valuable work within the arts. I run a company with other alumni from the course.
What was the best thing about your course?
The balance of theory and in-practice learning.
Who inspired you the most, and why?
We were taught by and introduced to a lot of fantastically interesting and successful people, many of them inspired me in different ways.
Which skills/knowledge did you learn on your course that you use most now/throughout your career?
A wide range of industry specific knowledge as well as basic theories on management and business - it was the perfect combination that provided strong foundations for my career.
What did you enjoy most about your time at Northumbria University?
The course - what we learned and the people we met..
What advice would you give somebody who is thinking of studying at Northumbria?
Look at the course and the alumni and make the most of every single opportunity.
How would you describe your time at Northumbria in 3 words?
Life-changing; important; enlightening
