Duncan Andrews is a business management graduate who is now working as the CRM & Digital Manager at the iconic Wembley Stadium. Discover how Duncan's time at Teesside shaped his career and his insights.
I loved my time there. It shaped me into the person I’ve become today.
In school, I was never an academic person. In fact, it took me two attempts to get a pass in GSCE maths. It was only when I left school and went to work in the UAE that I considered studying for a degree. I saw it as not only an academic challenge, but a way of understanding the practical work I was already involved in. Teesside University stood out for me compared to a lot of other universities I considered applying to. The redevelopment of the campus and the investment into the surrounding areas resonated well with me as I could see that the university would become a vibrant hub for the region – and that’s something I wanted to be a part of.
I’ve always had a fascination with businesses and how they run, studying business management at GSCE and A-level. Then after a couple of years working in an international organisation, studying a subject I was passionate about and had been involved in felt like a natural choice.
The variety of modules really made me enjoy and appreciate the education I was receiving. In a single day I could be learning about scarcity in economics, to discussing management and leadership traits. The lecturers had the ability to make these topics interesting even if they weren’t something that I had previously thought about studying.
I found myself gravitating towards marketing, interested in how businesses were run. I then found myself wanting to understand more about why consumers choose certain products and businesses over others.
I’ve always struggled with working in my home environment, especially given the distractions of living with my friends at University, so the Library was an excellent facility for me to go and study. Outside of an educational setting the University has an excellent Students’ Union and the fitness facilities were a big part of my routine during my time at Teesside.
I was involved in the tennis club and served (pun intended) as the chairperson for two years. It was a really good experience running the club, from training sessions to joint socials with other clubs and societies.
The most significant skill I gained during my time at Teesside was confidence in myself, which is key in my career. You must be able to sell your ideas to others who may not share your vision at that moment in time. My confidence developed from the opportunities and challenges that my course presented to me, from learning to become an independent thinker to delivering presentations to stakeholders.
I would love to start my own marketing agency and become part of a brand’s journey as it grows into a successful business.
Absolutely, I loved my time there. It shaped me into the person I’ve become today. My course exposed me to a new way of thinking, which has greatly benefited my career.
My advice would be to really get involved with the whole Teesside University experience, from the academic to the social side. Be engaged with your course, and join a sports team or society – it’s the best way to get life skills that are useful for any career path.