Creative career for designer Michael

Alumni Michael Hawkins has secured design employment while studying at UCEN Manchester.

Alumni Michael Hawkins applied to UCEN Manchester to study a Creative Media and Visual Communication BA (Hons) Top-up and pursue a design career.

After gaining the latest industry skills in demand for the design world, Michael didn’t have to wait long to see his ambitions realised.

Michael secured work placement with education and training provider LTE Group, which led to a full time lead designer position with MTC Works. He now works on key design briefs for the leading probation and custody provider.

Q: Why did you choose UCEN Manchester?

A: “When I came to UCEN Manchester, the tutors were really interested in my work and why I wanted to come here, and spoke to me as an equal. That made me feel really comfortable and I knew it was going to be a really interactive, engaging course.”

Q: What has it been like studying at UCEN Manchester?

A: “My tutors have been 100 per cent supportive and welcoming. I knew the smaller class sizes would benefit me more than learning in large lecture theatres. It gives you a better understanding of your studies and almost feels like one-to-one tuition.

“The course structure itself has a real focus on networking and establishing your career once you leave.

Your work improves to industry standard, and there is a real focus on establishing industry contacts and getting yourself and your work out there.

In addition, there are lots of professional designers who come to speak to us, which is great.”

Q: What would you tell students thinking about applying?

 A: “The course really pushes you to do your best, which in turn means you’re more equipped to go into a full time job. In my third year, I felt ready to produce industry standard work and that really propelled me to get job alongside my studies.”

Apply now for one of our many Creative Arts and Digital Media courses.