Previous Institution
Brockenhurst College - A Levels
Tell us about your educational and/or career journey since you graduated from Brunel?
After leaving Brunel, I worked as a Forecasting Analyst for Hasbro UK, then moved into the Sales team, eventually running the UK Grocery Division. I then left Hasbro and became the Marketing Director for an Australian board game company. I worked my way up to Managing Director for UK and Europe before becoming a Sales Agent and starting The Fantastic Factory; a toy and game invention company.
What does a typical day at work involve for you?
Every day is different at The Fantastic Factory. I could be dealing with new product development, ensuring orders are on track with our clients, writing licensing contracts, dealing with the finances, speaking to collaborators, researching new ideas or selling products.
What’s been the highlight of your career journey so far?
I have many highlights, but the one highlight for me is seeing our games on the shelves with retailers or on retailer’s web pages. We are in around 30 countries with products, so always a lot to look at.
How would you say your Brunel experience has helped you to get where you are today?
As I studied Business Administration at Brunel it gave me an insight into lots of different business functions. At the time of studying I didn't know how I would use these subjects later in life, but starting my own company, I look back at the lessons learnt from Brunel and think, wow, they were useful. At the time, the subjects I was learning were just theory, but then turned very much into reality.
Why did you choose to study at Brunel and why would you recommend Brunel to others?
I chose to study at Brunel as I wanted somewhere within easy access of London and my home in Bournemouth. I also wanted a business course that gave me a broad knowledge base. Brunel had that course available, so it made up my mind.
What is your best memory of studying here?
There are many, but it’s the friends you make along the way that makes the best memories.
If you could give one piece of advice to current Brunel students, what would that be?
Embrace every subject or class and give it your full attention, you never know when the subject matter may come in handy later in life.
What would be your top tip or key advice for new graduates as they begin their career journey after leaving Brunel?
Embrace every opportunity and give it your all.
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