Two years ago, I made a decision that would completely reshape my career and life trajectory — I started a full-time master’s in digital marketing at Teesside University. I was also working full-time and had just turned 40. It wasn’t exactly the “traditional” route into academia, but then again, nothing about my journey has followed a textbook.
With over a decade of industry experience but no formal university background, stepping into a classroom again felt surreal. I was nervous, but Teesside welcomed me with open arms. What made the experience even more transformative was being diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia during the course. Suddenly, so many things clicked into place. The challenges that came with those diagnoses were real — but so was the support. Teesside University didn’t just recognise the hurdles; they helped me navigate them. My advice to any student facing difficulties is simple: reach out. There is a whole network ready to support you.
The leap from student to staff happened faster than I could have imagined. In December, I was asked to help support a module on social media and management. I threw myself into it — and loved every second. It wasn’t long before I was offered a part-time lecturing position. Then, almost as if it were meant to be, a full role came up as a lecturer in digital marketing. It felt like the stars had aligned.
At the same time, I was also building something on the side — a tech start-up incubated through the Tees Valley Labs programme. Just as I was graduating, I received news that I’d been shortlisted for not one but two Tees Tech Awards: Tech Rising Star of the Year and Tech Start-up of the Year. To be recognised at that level, having only just stepped into the tech space, was a proud and humbling moment. My graduation was just one week before the awards event. It was a whirlwind few weeks — but ones I’ll never forget.
Teesside — and Middlesbrough in particular — is an exciting place to be right now. In 2024, it was officially recognised as the fastest-growing tech hub outside of London. The energy is tangible. For anyone considering a future in business or marketing, this region isn’t just participating in the digital economy — it’s shaping it.
And if you’re reading this wondering whether it’s “too late” to return to education, let me be clear: I started my master’s at 40. If you’re willing to learn and push yourself, there is space for you here. Teesside University doesn’t just teach theory — it prepares you to thrive in the real world, no matter when you start.
By Danny Reed
