His ambition is to work in licensing in America - and Matthew Cooper hopes that studying for a master's at De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) will help him stand out in the jobs market.
The 22-year-old became interested in further study during the final year of his Business and Management degree, but he wasn't sure he could afford to stay on.
After hearing about the VC's 2020 Scholarship, which provides DMU graduates with up to 50 per cent off tuition fees based on academic achievement, Matthew made up his mind.
He said: "I want to work in America and a master's helps with that - for both employability and getting a visa - but the scholarship was the deciding factor."
Graduating with a First in July 2017, Matthew spent the summer working at Camp America in New York State before starting his Business Economics and Marketing MSc.
"I'm loving it," he said. "I found the transition fine and have adapted well."
Northampton-born Matthew is drawing on skills learnt during his placement year with Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer products as a European Retail Sales intern.
"Presentation skills I learnt on placement have helped with my master's, as this is more work focused," he said.
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Matthew describes his industry experience, which involved helping to deliver promotions to retailers and markets analysis, as his "biggest highlight".
"DMU helped a lot with that," said Matthew. "If there was anything I needed when I was working I could ask for help and the placement team were incredible."
He also made some great contacts. "I met people in America and I know how the industry works, so what to apply for/who to apply to," said Matthew, whose connection to DMU goes back to when his older sister enrolled on a Business Studies degree.
Although he had visited the city many times, he wanted to keep his options open after being offered places at several universities.
"What sold DMU to me was the Open Day - everyone was helpful and welcoming and it confirmed my thoughts," said Matthew.
"I chose my undergraduate course because I had a keen interest in finance but didn't want to specialise, as I felt this could limit my options."
Throughout his time at DMU Matthew has embraced the university experience, joining a number of societies and becoming a member of the poker committee. More recently he has joined the rock-climbing group.
"I was also third placed in Fox's Lair - DMU's annual competition for entrepreneurs - in the first year, as part of a group of two, which was rewarding and exciting. I even got my dad involved in being a Fox," added Matthew, who is due to graduate in September and would like to work and travel in Australia before embarking on his American dream.
Posted on Tuesday 3 April 2018