Multi-tracking media graduate zooms on

After getting a taste for media work as a freelance, Stephen Dunne has entered the fast-lane of PR for technology companies, boosted by a first class degree from the University of Teesside.

Stephen, from Middlesbrough, left St David’s Secondary School at 16 and went into office work, but always had his sights on creative writing. He got into freelance reporting on non-league football and, after gaining experience as a dance music promoter, made contacts in the music business that led to writing PR material for the Happy Mondays, Stone Roses, Zutons and others.

But to build a career in the media, he chose to return to full-time education to strengthen the skills and experience that employers look for. He enrolled as a mature student for Teesside’s BA (Hons) Media Studies.

Now 26, Stephen said: ‘I knew that working in the media would allow me to express myself creatively and offer an exciting and rewarding career. The course gave me in-depth knowledge, organisational skills and a new confidence, especially in public speaking and presenting.

He adds: ‘One of the best things was the approachable nature of the staff. Experienced professionals were always on hand with support and guidance, as well as first class delivery in lectures.’

After graduating – and winning the prestigious Evening Gazette Prize – Stephen joined one of the country’s leading technology and consumer PR companies, AxiCom, in West London. As an Account Executive he handles work for high-value, market-leading technology clients.

And, as time permits, he is planning to re-locate his non-league football reporting to the London area, and keep in touch with the music world.

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Details of our BA (Hons) Media Studies