Alumni

David Barber

Career Path: Founder & Director - Spark Internal Communication Consultants
Location: Leeds, United Kingdom

Since graduating in 2001, I was lucky enough to join Asda on their Logistics graduate scheme, but very quickly I realised there was more to a retailer than just logistics... so I chose to learn more about their supply chain, retail, people, operations and eCommerce teams. If I'm honest - I probably didn't know what I wanted to do, but this gave me a great overview of a huge retailer and the many different areas that they need.

Following a number of roles in Asda, I was then asked to take a maternity cover role in Internal Communications, a role that I loved (and still do to this day!) I realised that I had a passion for creating engaging communication and could use my background within Asda to help shape and deliver engaging communication to the wider business and their colleagues (at the time over 175,000!).

What are you doing now?

Over seven years ago, I made the decision to set up my own Internal Communications consultancy, called Spark Consultants - I now work with forward thinking organisations who don’t want to forget about their most important assets; their colleagues.

I believe that every organisation who’s passionate about delivering excellence in whatever they do, should place internal communication at the heart of their plans. I deliver practical advice & coaching to help organisations communicate the right way, at the right time. I’ve a proven process to review and implement internal communication plans to help your colleagues understand, develop and deliver excellence in protecting and safeguarding your residents, while also updating and informing their loved ones too.

What was it about Northumbria that made you decide to study here?

Like many school students, I visited a load of different universities. While many of them had great courses, Northumbria really did feel different and stood out - I was impressed by it's business school and the course that was on offer, and their undergraduates success in finding employment after graduation.

What was it like studying at Northumbria?

Studying at Northumbria was great - I actually started out on a business administration course, but very quickly found that my passion was in Logistics and Supply Chain Management. It was through the support of my lecturers that I was able to make the transition to this course in year three.

Throughout my studies there was a good mix of lectures, seminars, and projects that were able to stretch my thinking and achieve my degree.

How connected was your course with industry?

While my particular course didn't have a placement year in industry, we had very strong links with a number of organisations that our lecturers were able organise which really helped bring the theory to life in practice.

What was the best thing about your course?

There are many things, but the one thing that stands out when I look back at my course was it being so practical and relevant to what interested me at the time - the lecturers were able to help me understand more and apply the academic thinking to 'real life' examples.

How did studying at Northumbria help you achieve your career goals/ give your career an edge?

I was very lucky to be able to walk out from Northumbria straight into a graduate role in a national retailer - so studying at Northumbria really did help me achieve my career goals. To this day, I know how well Northumbria is respected across the country, and indeed the world too. Any student who is thinking about their future prospects should put serious thought into choosing Northumbria.

Which skills/knowledge did you learn on your course that you use most now throughout your career?

Looking back, I think my time a Northumbria gave me so many different skills including independent learning, listening, questioning, communication and confidence.

What did you enjoy most about your time at Northumbria University?

Setting aside the social aspect of studying in a great city (which let's face it is amazing) I think it was meeting so many like minded students, some of which I'm still in touch with to this day! I have many fond memories of my time in Northumbria and look back on my three years with great pride.

What advice would you give somebody who is considering studying at Northumbria?

Visit the university, it's campus and get a real feel for what the university offers... I'd not hesitate to recommend Northumbria to anyone, it offers so much, and you'll not regret it.