Darren takes a STEP to success

Choosing a degree in Design Marketing at the University of Teesside has paid dividends for Darren O’Rourke. Darren will be awarded his BA (Hons) degree this afternoon and has also achieved the ‘best in show award’ for the University’s annual Design Degree show.

Darren, 22, from Wilton Village, is now working as a Marketing Co-ordinator for Varitext Ltd in Middlesbrough. The company design and manufacture digital displays for highways and the rail and bus industries.

During his degree, Darren undertook a project which helped to provide a local firm with a new source of business. He worked with Creative Glass & Mirrors Ltd in Stockton to develop a range of glass furniture.

The link-up came through the University’s STEP scheme, which offers paid degree-related work experience for students while firms receive specialist support at a reduced rate. Previously, Creative Glass & Mirrors made everything to order, resulting in them being very busy or waiting for work.

Darren came up with a project to develop a constant flow of work, designing a collection of glass furniture for sale in the showroom.

Darren was awarded the runner’s-up prize at the local STEP ‘Most Enterprising Student’ competition. He said: “STEP gave me the opportunity to apply my design skills, acquired at the University, to a real-life project in industry. Not only was it great experience for my CV but also a massive achievement to see my designs manufactured and on sale.

“On the course I enjoyed developing brand identities, targeting products and marketing campaigns. Seeing the end result when a 15 week project is finally pulled together is very satisfying.”

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