Alumni

Craig Thompson

Career Path: Freelance Designer, Craig Thompson Design
Location: Mirfield, UK

I graduated with my Creative Media and Internet Technology degree and immediately pursued a career which combined a love for design and website development with my passion to help bring design thinking to organisations and transform how they communicate with their audience. Working within the industry as a professional graphic and website designer, I have worked with various non-profits, businesses and agencies on designs that deliver an impact and make a lasting difference, elevating brands above the noise and competition.

What are you doing now?

After 10 years of experience working with charities, educational organisations and in-house at design agencies, I have built up a reputation and contacts to be able to start my own consultancy, working as Brand Strategist and Designer to help organisations and businesses make an impact and grow their following and revenue.

What was it about Northumbria that made you decide to study here?

I wanted to study there as I knew it was one of the best universities in the country with a worldwide reputation. After meeting some of the tutors I was satisfied that the University had a world class computing and technology department that could help build my skills to enter the professional world of website development and design.

What was it like studying at Northumbria?

Studying at Northumbria was great, I really enjoyed the mix of lectures/seminars and met friends that I am still in contact with a decade later.

How connected was your course with industry?

My course was very well connected with industry working in partnership with renowned Newcastle agencies such as Orange Bus to deliver a challenging course.

What was the best thing about your course?

The best thing about my course was the life experience and skills I got from living away from home and developing my skill-set in order to land a job in the industry I wanted to pursue.

How did studying at Northumbria help you achieve your career goals/ give your career an edge?

Studying at Northumbria and obtaining my degree helped get an edge when applying for some of my first roles within my chosen sector as it set me apart from most of the field as I had a degree.

Which skills/knowledge did you learn on your course that you use most now throughout your career?

I still use all of the skills I learned on my course every day. I have built on them over the years using my experiences. I still perform User Experience Design, Graphic Design, Website Design, Website Development, Video Production... it was all setting me up for my career and I use all of the tools and skills acquired throughout my time at Northumbria University.

What did you enjoy most about your time at Northumbria University?

I enjoyed the atmosphere around the campus and how culturally diverse the student base was, as well as the opportunities a city like Newcastle offers students in terms of culture and entertainment.