Alumni

Harry Mason

Career Path: Consultant - Nigel Wright Recruitment
Location: Newcastle Upon-Tyne, UK

I left University knowing my long term career was going to be running my family business, but needed some experience before that was possible, and also knew I wanted to stay in the North East.

This meant my options were join a corporate grad scheme, which wasn't really my style, or get involved with small business. So I joined a small-ish local business as a recruitment consultant. That was a really great learning environment, it gave me a real-life view on how a service business needs to operate to be successful. Although it was a great learning experience, I wasn't much good at the actual recruitment part of the job, and so turned my efforts towards another sales environment, this time at Instant Offices in the short-term office-rental industry.

I joined there in April 2019, and had about 9 months of really enjoying myself before the COVID-19 pandemic made our industry redundant for the next 2 years or so. That was another fantastic environment to learn in, having to operate under really difficult circumstances. In August 2023 I thought that my experience had been honed enough to join the family business.

What are you doing now?

Currently, I lead the New Business team at Mason Infotech. We support businesses with IT services throughout the country.

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

I had already completed by undergrad course at Northumbria, and had fallen in love with the North East. I knew I wanted to stay in the region for further study, and had been looking at courses from both of the Newcastle-based Universities for my Masters.

Northumbria being double-accredited and offering the chance to work alongside North East businesses was the deciding factor.

What was it like studying at Northumbria?

There was a real mix of styles, which was great. Lectures and seminars were incredibly engaging, and brought real-world experience into the classroom. Group projects helped me to learn some of the softer skills which employers really value, and the opportunity to work with real businesses provided an insight into the kinds of problems that businesses face outside of the text book.

How connected was your course with industry?

Very - I worked on projects with real businesses as part of the business clinic, and received several guest lectures.

What was the best thing about your course?

Interacting with industry.

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

Northumbria provided a world of connections in the North East business community who I still speak to today. My MSc has also helped me to solve real-world problems within my own business multiple times.

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

Business Intelligence, Marketing theory, and EQ

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

I had never visited the North East before I came to Northumbria. The most enjoyable element of my time at Northumbria was discovering the place I have now called home for over 10 years.

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

Be ready to stay long term, you simply won't want to leave Newcastle!

On a serious note, Northumbria provides fantastic opportunities for those who put the work in. So come prepared, and make the most out of the opportunities on offer.