91快活林

Connor had previously completed an undergraduate degree in Computer Science at Heriot-Watt University before spending several years working in the hospitality sector. During that time, he became increasingly aware of the challenges many businesses face when trying to promote themselves effectively online. 

Seeing businesses with strong products or services struggle to reach customers made Connor think more seriously about digital marketing and the role it could play in helping organisations grow. 

He knew he wanted to learn more, but returning to education after three years in industry was not a decision he took lightly. Attending an Open Day at Abertay helped him feel more confident about taking the next step. 

The opportunity to speak to lecturers and learn more about the course content proved important. Connor quickly realised that the 惭补蝉迟别谤鈥檚 programme offered the mix of practical and strategic learning he was looking for. 

He said: 

Going to the Open Day was really valuable. I got to learn more about Abertay and the course, and speaking to the lecturers helped me see that the content was exactly what I wanted to do.

Starting postgraduate study felt daunting at first, particularly after time away from formal education. However, Connor found that the experience was very different from undergraduate study, with a greater emphasis on independent learning and online delivery. 

He adapted quickly and found himself more focused than he had been during his undergraduate degree. The structure of the course suited him, and the subject matter felt directly relevant to the type of work he wanted to pursue. 

He said: 

It was a bit daunting going back into education after working for three years, but postgraduate study is totally different. It is more independent, and I found I was much more focused this time around.

Six months into the course, Connor decided to start his own digital marketing business, Troup Digital. The business supports local companies with services including social media, website content and filming, helping organisations that want to grow but are unsure where to begin. 

The timing meant that what Connor was learning in the classroom could be applied almost immediately to his own work. Modules covering areas such as marketing strategy and the marketing mix gave him practical tools he could use with clients while also developing his wider understanding of the sector. 

He said: 

What I was learning in the classroom was completely relevant to the business. The course content matched what I needed, especially the work around marketing strategy and the marketing mix.

Balancing a 惭补蝉迟别谤鈥檚 degree with running a new business was challenging, but Connor found that both parts of his life fed into each other. His studies helped shape the way he approached his business, while his business gave him real examples to draw on throughout the course. 

As he looks beyond graduation, Connor is focused on continuing to grow Troup Digital. He hopes to build on the work he has already started in Dundee while expanding into Aberdeen and supporting more businesses across different parts of Scotland. 

He has also begun working towards becoming a Chartered Marketer through the Chartered Institute of Marketing, adding another layer of professional development to the knowledge and experience he has gained at Abertay.