Communications graduates share academic and job success

A group of Teesside University public relations alumni who all graduated together this year from Teesside University are celebrating securing jobs in the communications industry.

BA (Hons) Public Relations and Digital Communications graduates Adam Campbell, Laura McKeown and Sarah Peacock have all secured employment, while Alex Savage and Carina Gama are beginning internships.

Sarah, 36, of Middlesbrough, who is working as Communications Assistant with global chemical company Venator, said: “The best thing about the course was that a lot of it was practical, which gave us the opportunity to design and create a range of public relations and communications campaigns.

“My role is a mix of internal and external communications for a global company. My time at Teesside University helped me to build confidence in my abilities, which left me feeling prepared to take on a new career.”

Adam, 21, of Middlesbrough, who is working as an Account Executive for advertising and digital marketing agency Drummond Central, based in Newcastle, said: “My job involves taking care of clients’ needs and relaying that to the necessary departments within the agency. I’m also currently compiling a competitor review for a football club to analyse competitors’ messaging techniques and any changes in design.

“As a student, being able to work on projects for real clients and experiment with ideas was my favourite part of my time at Teesside University. It gave me a solid foundation of real-world experience and skills and still allowed me to try new things.”

Laura, who is Marketing Manager for Skins and Needles in Durham and Middlesbrough, said: “I’m the sole marketeer across Middlesbrough and Durham studios for both tattooing and barbers, Skins and Needles Apparel, and other barbershops we have in the North-East.

“My time at Teesside University helped to massively prepare me for my job in so many ways. I don’t think I’d be this prepared for it without going through the university route. I’ve been able to have a better understanding of the industry and build connections through guest lecturers and modules, pushing me to speak to other creatives, which led me to push my work out further to the online community.”

Laura added: “The best thing about the degree was the detailed learning with a small and supportive cohort. We were friends outside the classroom too.”

Carina Gama, 22, who is originally from Portugal, is completing a PR internship with Mark Lloyd Master Goldsmith, based in Hartlepool. She said: “While looking for a PR course in the UK, this university stood out to me because of the digital communications element of the degree. There was a lot of focus on the practical side, which is an essential part of learning and gaining valuable experience.”

Alex, 22, from Middlesbrough, is starting an internship with Resolution PR and Marketing.

Rachel Dodd, Senior Lecturer in Digital Journalism, said: “Accuracy of communication is increasingly essential within our global communities and our PR and Digital Communication graduates are taught real-world skills to enable them to make an instant impact within the workplace.

“Our students’ success is a huge testament to their efforts and the support of Teesside University colleagues during the challenges of the global pandemic.”

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