Dedication pays off for double prize-winner Mike

Mike Pemberton devoted many hours of dedicated study to the final year of his degree from the University’s School of Computing.

The hard work has paid off handsomely, as he has graduated with a first class BSc (Hons) Computing and Networks and also received two prizes from the School, the Catherine Dummigan Memorial Prize and the Dean’s Award.

Mike, 23, is originally from Eston, Middlesbrough and now works as an Infastructure and Networks Consultant for Waterstons Ltd in Durham.

Ridiculous amount of hours He came to the University with A levels in Physics, Computing, English and General Studies. Mike said, 'My fiancée Lizzi joked that I put in a ridiculous amount of hours in my final year so I’m over the moon to have achieved a first class and won these awards. I’m the first in the family to graduate from University and all my relatives phoned me up straight away to congratulate me.'

In his new role Mike provides consultancy services in IT, including infrastructure and network technologies, to clients across the UK.

He said, 'It’s really enjoyable; I find it really interesting to see lots of different clients. There’s variety as I’m travelling round the country going into organisations and getting to know their technologies. Every day is something different.

'I’d recommend the degree, not just the technical aspects which have really helped with my job but the social aspect as well. I got to work with like-minded people and it was nice to talk about the subjects with the lecturers. My people skills really improved. Report writing was also a big feature as well which has helped in my new business role.'

Mike is a former student of Sacred Heart RC School in Redcar and Prior Pursglove College.

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