Strategic success for Carl

Most people find studying at university a full-time role but for one new graduate, his busy lifestyle has proved no barrier to his education.

Carl Holloway, from Manchester, worked full-time in various communication officer positions and lived in four cities while completing his MA in Strategic Communication at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan).

The 33-year-old said: “I am really proud of completing such an intense period of study which I have done whilst working full-time and working and living in four different cities. Balancing the time demands with working full-time was a challenge but I prioritised the work ahead of everything else during the 12 week modules. I also made the most of the commute by reading course literature at every opportunity.”

The former Blackpool Sixth Form College student completed the course over two-and- a-half-years and now works as the Senior Communications and Marketing Manager at Cheshire West and Chester Council.

Carl, who also completed his undergraduate degree at UCLan, said: “The course content was exactly what I was looking for and relevant to my career aspirations. I was amazed what I didn’t know so all the content was new and I found it all extremely fascinating. Being on the course with a range of other professionals working in the sector was great and the knowledge of the staff was excellent.”

He added: “I have promised myself that this is just the beginning of my professional development and that I still have lots to learn. I will take a break from academia for a year or two but continue to learn the profession in more detail through day courses and reading books. I may do a Doctorate in the future but I’m still undecided.”

Carl was among nearly 4,000 graduates who took to the stage at Preston’s Guild Hall to graduate in front of their family and friends.