A Sunderland Business School graduate was a winner in his category at the National Young Leaders Awards at a glitzy ceremony in London.
Ian Moody, 29, graduated from the University in 2007 with a first-class degree in Business and Marketing and is now International Regional Development Manager (Middle East, Africa & UK International) and walked away with the ‘People’s Choice’ award.
Ian entered the role of International Regional Development Manager at an extremely challenging time for universities entering the overseas market.
Tasked with expanding and stabilising the University of Sunderland’s Middle East and African markets, Ian developed relationships with local agents and colleges, gained a deep understanding of the market, and was instrumental in creating new income streams and bringing stability and growth to this key area of international recruitment.
Ian’s first year working in the apparently impenetrable Middle East market was a huge success; he also developed business from emerging markets such as Ghana, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda - income from Kenya has increased by 37%, Ghana by 900% and Zimbabwe by 1,600%.
Ian cites his lecturers at the Business School as key influencers in his success so far.
He said: “During my time studying at Sunderland, my academics, namely William Angawa, Joel Arnott and Derek Harwood, always encouraged me to enter competitions.
"I was awarded the Advertising Standards Authority 2006 Marketing and Advertising Award for a soft drink campaign I developed. This was shortly followed by an Award from Tyne and Wear Care Alliance for a campaign I developed around safety for the elderly.”
Ian, from Harton Village in South Shields, also says that students should take advantage of all the amazing opportunities offered at the University to help them stand out from the crowd when looking for work.
He said: “I would recommend students to get involved in as much as possible during their studies. Students can sit in lecture theatres with up to 300 students, studying the same programme – thousands nationally. Why should an employer, employ you, over the person next to you? I would recommend studying abroad for a year, undertake a work placement, build a network early and always remain positive and dedicated.
“I worked and studied full time in my final year as my placement allowed me to do so. This was a guaranteed job, at a time when redundancies and unemployment were at an all time high in the UK. It was extremely tough with 12 hour days and my social life being put on hold. However, I believe it was the dedication I showed during my placement and final year that has acted as a springboard into a senior role.”