Case studies: Communications manager: Thom

Thom suggests that in order to be successful in graphic design you should be prepared to change to meet the needs of customers, yet acquire the confidence to lead their ideas and challenge accepted thinking.

John went straight from school into engineering work in the North East. He worked for various engineering firms on a contract basis for over 15 years until ill health forced him to reconsider his options. He spent the next few years travelling, carrying out a variety of jobs including theatre director and actor. He was always interested in different cultures, and this experience allowed him to broaden his horizons and analyse his next steps.

He heard about the foundation programme at his local university and with his interest in different cultures, decided on a programme that would directly progress onto an honours degree in health and human science. During the initial foundation year, he studied a broad set of social science modules as well as modules specific to anthropology, which was his specific area of interest.

John enjoyed his time on the foundation programme and at university in general so much that he continued his progression on to an honours degree in health and human science. He feels that his foundation course greatly enhanced not only his subject knowledge, study skills and ability to problem solve, but also his ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and verbally. He feels that without the help and support offered within his foundation programme, he would not have achieved his 2.1.

During his degree, John found his interest in different cultures and his enthusiasm to research these differences enhanced. He applied for a Masters in Development Anthropology at the same university, has organised a research placement with an indigenous tribe in Vietnam and is hoping to pursue a career in international development work. John advises current Foundation degree students to carry out as much relevant work experience as possible to both fully investigate career areas and maximise the chances of gaining employment within these areas.