Rich Hayden

Managing Director of Creative Agency MADEBY7

I learned creative media at University and now this is my business.

Why I chose to attend Leeds Trinity

It was a small and vibrant campus and the courses available were perfect for me.

Highlights from my time at Leeds Trinity

One highlight would be landing my first video job. An outside production company contacted the University and asked if they knew of any students who were capable of doing some filming at the House of Lords. The lecturers knew that I and some of my peers were interested in video production so we were sent down to film a board meeting for the Institute of Financial Accountants. The meeting really opened my eyes to the endless opportunities that a career in Media could provide.

Another would have to be playing for the football team - Saturdays and Wednesdays were spectacular!

Valuable placement opportunities

For one of my placements I worked at the BBC in Birmingham as a Production Assistant for the Gardener's World programme which was filmed live at the NEC. I was tasked with choosing the music which would be played when the programme went out live. This was quite a big challenge for me at such a young age but something I relished.

MADEBY7 Creative Agency

I learned creative media at University and now this is my business.  Whilst we do all sorts of creative media, my favourite by far is the corporate films we produce - working for some household brands is a buzz. Find out more about MADEBY7.

My advice to current students

Take advantage of the facilities that are available to you at the University. There is millions of pounds worth of equipment at your disposal which can only help your career in the long-term. Start early and get ahead of the crowd.  In your spare time in University, start a side-hustle and try and make some money whilst the pressure isn't on you to find full-time employment.