Thomas Haigh

Digital Marketing and Communications Officer, Royal Armouries Museum

When I was in the middle of completing my final assessments, I succeeded in gaining my first marketing job, three months before graduating and receiving my final grade.

Why I chose to attend Leeds Trinity

I chose to study at Leeds Trinity because the university had a strong community feel. Being from Leeds myself and living and working within my local community, it just made more sense to study local. Not to mention, with Leeds Trinity University being smaller than other universities, it felt more personal and it gave students the opportunity to really have their voice heard.

How I’ve changed as a person

Before Leeds Trinity, I was in a bit of a spiral because I was already studying at University but on a course and in a place that didn’t feel like home, that is another reason why I chose to study at Leeds Trinity. After graduating, I am now more confident and have managed to set up my own Marketing Agency, VISCO Agency. I have been able to take the skills I learnt further, doing something I love.

My best student memories 

One of my favourite memories from being at Leeds Trinity was the friends I made. Some of these friendships have stuck by and have progressed professionally, including fellow Media and Marketing graduate, Charlotte Ford (pictured above with me) . Charlotte graduated the year before me, but she helped and guided me through the course. Charlotte then became my business partner for VISCO Agency.

How Leeds Trinity equipped me for my career

The Leeds Trinity placement modules helped equipped me for my career as they ensured that I had key experience as well as the academic knowledge to support me. My highest grade for my final year was the Professional Learning Through Work module, for which I achieved a mark of 82.

How my career has panned out since graduating

When I was in the middle of completing my final assessments, I succeeded in gaining my first marketing job, three months before graduating and receiving my final grade. I’ve worked full-time since graduating as a Marketing Executive/Marketing Manager within private sectors and in public sectors whilst also freelancing, but the full-time work did not suit me. I left my job in October 2018 to focus and build up VISCO Agency.

Continued support after graduation

During my time at University, I received support and guidance from the lectures and the non-academic staff to move forward. Since graduating I was granted money from the Inspiring Futures fund to help kick-start and build VISCO Agency further. In addition, I have developed and maintained an excellent relationship with the University, especially with the Placement Team. I have been providing students with work experience opportunities to help them develop new skills and work with live clients.

I have also been involved with the Leeds Trinity Mentoring Programme. Leeds Trinity helped me develop and further my professionalism and I feel the need to help do the same with their current and future students.