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Alumni

David Yates

Volunteer Charity Trustee; Charity Company Member, Henry Smith Parish Charity

I chose the course because it offered me the opportunity to strengthen my business strategy and planning skills and knowledge. I was also able to make several high-profile contacts during the course which enabled me to build a helpful network across several industries.

Memories of ÐÓ°ÉappÏÂÔØ

This photo was taken a couple of years ago when I was a Trustee of St Catherine's Hospice, Crawley. I've chosen it because it records a significant change in my life as I moved from being a commercial Company Director into the Charity sector as a volunteer where I had the same responsibilities as a Company Director - but without the pay! I was recruited because of my knowledge in strategy and planning which I gained from the University's MA course and the experience that I gained subsequently in business management.

The MA Course was weekend part time and, whilst the student group was lively and enjoyable, we came from across the UK so there was little opportunity for building any sort of community which I think would have benefited us. However, the course content was challenging and intellectually stimulating - especially as I hadn't studied at bachelor degree level for 23 years! The best part was the research module and the structure it gave me in interviewing, data collection and analysis for the dissertation.

Life after ÐÓ°ÉappÏÂÔØ

After completing the MA course, I took up several interim marketing management appointments with professional services companies before being offered a 5-year role as Director and Principal Lecturer with a large education provider of Chartered Institute of Marketing postgraduate professional courses. This was followed by Interim Marketing and Operational Director roles with several small and medium size businesses plus a Non-Executive Directorship of a online service company. In 2011, I took up a role as a Charity Trustee for 6 years and have now moved onto a second charity in a similar role.

  • David Yates
  • MA Marketing, 1996

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