A Marketing student was "shocked but delighted" to be offered a place on a prestigious data analysis course.
Charles Bloch, who has just finished his second year at De Montfort University Leicester (DMU), competed with students from across the country to attend the week-long Creative Data Academy in London.
The 22-year-old says he is already reaping the benefits, having just received a First on a related assignment.
He said: "Lots of people applied and I didn't think I'd get a place, but I gave it a go anyway.
"There were around 250 applicants for 30 places and I was shocked but delighted to be chosen - and I was the only student from DMU.
"The initial application was about me and my degree and how I'd benefit from doing the course, but the test for those shortlisted was data orientated and nothing I'd seen before.
"I had to find similarities in the data to make a pen portrait of a chosen demographic. They seemed to like it and said it was one of the best!
"I was the only person on the course with a type of disability. Being picked was a highlight of my life because I didn't think I was good enough."
Charles has been visually impaired since birth and has glaucoma, cataracts and a condition called nystagmus. His guide dog, Carlo, helps him navigate his way around campus.
Charles said: "I was in communications heavily beforehand and they knew about Carlo.
"I asked for large-print resources and information to be emailed through, as I have software that makes it accessible.
"They made me feel very welcome."
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The academy is run by the Institute of Direct and Digital Marketing, with the aim of inspiring students to pursue a career in data within the marketing industry.
DMU Senior Lecturer Mark Prescod encouraged students on his Direct and Digital Marketing module to apply for a place.
During his four-night stay, Charles listened to company presentations, gained insight into how big brands use data to create worldwide marketing campaigns, visited an advertising agency, networked with professionals and met industry contacts.
The experience proved beneficial. Charles said: "The aim of the academy was to give students a better understanding of the importance of data because people can believe it's scary and not fun. They made it something useful in the eyes of marketing.
"It has helped me with my modules - I just got 76 per cent on an assignment!"
Carlo also gave an impressive performance. Charles said: "It was his first time on the tubes, but he was very calm and concentrated and I was proud of him."
Charles' ambition is to work in a digital marketing role within a marketing department or at a marketing agency, and this course may just help him get there.
He added: "I have been contacted by a chap from a marketing agency that I met, who would like me to send in my CV."
Posted on Thursday 16 June 2016