Ben evolves from jack-the-lad to first class graduate

Ben Dimes was more interested in being a jack-the-lad at school than learning.

Over 12 years later he has completely reversed his attitude, by achieving a first class BA (Hons) Leadership and Management from Teesside University.

Ben, 28, from Gateshead, came to University through an unconventional route, having left school at 16 with few qualifications. He said: 'I wasn’t engaged in school; I had the ability but was more interested in being a jack-the-lad. I was probably hard work for my teachers.'

He joined the army at 16, moving to Germany to serve with the Royal Signals and later the household cavalry, travelling around Europe and the USA. Aged 20, he was part of the allied forces operations in Iraq.

Ben said: 'I found the experience enlightening. Part of me was terrified and part of me was feeling a lot of pride in using my training. I took a lot out of the experience and came back more mature, as it made me realise I’d had a lot of opportunities back home that I’d not capitalised on. I wanted a new challenge and needed qualifications. When I told my parents and friends I was going to get a degree they laughed!'

Ben’s return to education began by enrolling at Gateshead College first for GCSEs, followed by an NVQ level 3 in Business Administration, and then a HNC in Business and Management. Ben progressed to Teesside University’s Foundation Degree in Business Management, and topped this up with the Leadership and Management degree.

He said: 'I was very intimidated at first, coming back into education; I had a fear of failing, even if I really tried to study. The fear was immense. But the lecturers at Gateshead and Teesside were always supportive, encouraging me to do the most I was capable of doing and this was really liberating. To get a first was way beyond what I thought I ever could.

'My two older sisters are naturally academic and they and my parents David and Linda encouraged me. It’s been a long journey but very worthwhile.'

Ben worked full time throughout his degree, first for a local authority and later for a large international shipping company. With help from the University he is now working as an information security analyst for Parker Information Solutions. The role is based in York but also working in Luton and Nottingham.

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