Sam Forth

Information Technology Management for Business

Where are you from?

Carlisle

Why did you choose Northumbria University, Newcastle?

I really liked the city and the central location of the University. The course that was offered was also exactly what I was looking for at the time and I couldn't find another one like it at other universities.

What do you think of Newcastle and our region and what are your favourite things to do?

I love Newcastle. It is such a lovely city with a fantastic nightlife. I also really like the contrast of having all the shops in one place in Eldon Square and on Northumberland Street and then a huge selection of restaurants down the classically architectured Grey Street. My favourite things to do in Newcastle are enjoying the huge selection of bars and restaurants, along with going to concerts/gigs in the many popular venues throughout the city.

What has surprised you most about living in Newcastle and this region? What has impressed you most?

I was pleasantly surprised at how close everything is in such a big city. Everything you require is within walking distance. I don't know of any other major cities where this is possible.

Did you find Northumbria University welcoming? Was it easy to fit in?

I did. The welcome week especially helped with this and I found it very easy to fit in.

What have you enjoyed most about coming to Northumbria University?

Meeting new people and making new friends.

What is your favourite place on campus?

Sport Central.

Have you joined any sports teams, clubs or been involved in any volunteer projects? Tells us about the highlights?

I was a team leader for a charity project to climb Kilimajaro. I had to recruit a team of students who wanted to Climb Kili and help raise money for charity whilst doing so. The highlight of this for me was going out to a school in Tanzania that our money was helping, this gave me a hugh sense of achievement.

What is the best thing about your course?

The opportunities it offers to network with employers from industry and the help that is offered with this, to help with receiving an offer for a year in an industrial placement.

What are the most valuable lessons you have learnt to date?

Time management and organisation is key to getting a top degree. Make sure you do some work and that it is not all play.

What do you want to do in the future? What skills have you learned/improved that you think will be of most use in your future career?

I want to become an IT Project Manager. The skills that I have learned and impoved upon most are my people management and time/organisation skills. This will be of great use to me in my future career as a project manager.

Have you worked on any projects with businesses or been on a placement? What were your most memorable experiences?

I have done both of these. One of the course modules enables us to work with live clients. This is a great experience and gives a feel for what it will be like in the real world. I have also done a year's placement, which is fantastic experience. I have been completing proper work and running my own projects. This has helped me put into practice what I learnt at university in the first few years and has excelled my learning even further.

Have you taken up any opportunities to travel with your current course/undertake field trips? If so, please tell us about them.

There is a yearly event that my course is a part of where we are given the chance to meet up and network with companies in the industry. These are great events to go to and gives the students a chance to question the employers, to find out what they are looking for, what they offer and how to maximise their chances of being offered a place.

If you could offer some advice to students thinking of coming to study here what would you say?

This is a central location with great courses and facilities; if you like Newcastle then this is the place for you.

How do you feel you have changed as a person since being at Northumbria University, Newcastle (e.g. confidence)?

I have grown massively since coming to university. Moving away from home and living by yourself is fantastic and I have grown hugely independent and gained massive confidence.