Student views

Despite a successful career, he sought deeper knowledge to stay ahead in an evolving industry. Returning to education as a mature student was a personal challenge driven by a desire for growth, fresh perspectives and renewed purpose. Juggling studies, work and parenting, Tom credits the university's support and loyalty discount for enabling his journey.

Why did you choose to study here?

After 20 years in eCommerce and digital marketing, I’d built a successful career through hands-on experience, but I reached a point where I needed to go deeper. My undergraduate degree in Business with Marketing at Teesside reignited my curiosity and showed me just how much more there was to explore. For me, marketing is business – it’s about people, purpose and connection. The industry I started in has changed so much and I wanted to stay at the forefront, combining my experience with fresh ideas and new approaches. Postgraduate study gave me the chance to refine my skills, push myself further and contribute more meaningfully to a field I’ve dedicated my career to.

Why did you choose to return to education as a mature student?

The decision to return to education wasn’t just about ticking a box or chasing a qualification; it was deeply personal. After two decades in industry, I felt I’d hit a plateau. I was disillusioned with the corporate world – so much talk of innovation and progress, yet very little meaningful action. The focus was often on maintaining the status quo and there was no real drive to push for change. I wanted to be better, to do business better and to challenge myself in a way I hadn’t done in years.

A huge part of my decision was personal validation. My learning until then had been through experience – trial and error, moments of success and plenty of mistakes. I wanted to see how that knowledge measured up against those coming into the industry fresh from education. I also knew the world had changed drastically since I’d started my career, and I needed to make sure I wasn’t being left behind.

How did you make your decision?

Once the idea entered my head, it felt almost inevitable, so it didn’t take me long at all. I was in a rut, personally and professionally. My mental health had taken a nosedive, and I knew that if I didn’t take charge of my own development, I was going to stay stuck. I wanted something to pull me out of the comfort zone I’d grown far too used to – something that would challenge me and force me to grow.

Of course, improved opportunities and future career prospects were factors in the decision, but they weren’t the driving force. For me, it was about finding purpose again – doing something that mattered and pushing myself to see what I was capable of. I didn’t know exactly what shape that would take at the time, but I knew that going back to university was exactly what I needed. It was a chance to reset, re-evaluate and take back control of where I was headed.

Did you benefit from any financial discounts offered by the University?

Yes – I received a 20% loyalty discount for progressing from my undergraduate degree to my postgraduate course. In today’s economic climate, this kind of support makes a huge difference. It gave me the financial breathing room to focus fully on my studies and commit to making the most of this opportunity.

How did you balance study, work and family commitments?

Balancing a full-time MSc, a new role and being a single parent was one of the most challenging things I’ve ever done. There were plenty of times when it felt overwhelming – late nights spent writing assignments, juggling last-minute childcare issues, and moments where I didn’t know whether I was coming or going. But that’s exactly what I signed up for. I wanted to see what I could achieve if I gave it everything I had, even when it was tough. Growth only happens when you step outside your comfort zone and I embraced that challenge fully.

I couldn’t have done it without the people around me. From friends and family to the incredible staff and faculty at the Business School, I had the support I needed to keep going. The teaching staff genuinely cared about my success. They understood the challenges I was facing and were always there to help – whether it was through a Teams call, an email, or just taking time to listen over a coffee.