"Over the moon" - that's how Dexter Reeds feels to have landed his ideal role at his first interview.
The 24-year-old, who graduates from De Montfort University (DMU) with a 2:1 in Business and Marketing today, has already started at Nottingham-based digital PR agency Tank.
Working as a digital executive under director and DMU alumnus Trevor Palmer, Dexter's job involves creating and managing clients, pay-per-click advertising campaigns, digital PR, search engine optimisation and social media marketing.
He said: "I love it! Tank is an exciting, dynamic company that is growing at a massive rate and it's a fantastic group of people to work with."
It was DMU's graduate employment prospects that helped attract Nottingham local Dexter to study in Leicester.
He said: "I'd previously dropped out after briefly studying journalism at Southampton Solent University, as I was disenchanted with the course.
"When I came back to education I wanted to study somewhere close to home, and I felt DMU was my best choice out of all the local universities.
"I'd also received some economics A-Level tuition from a retired DMU professor, which really helped my grade. So I knew the quality of teaching had to be pretty good!"
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Dexter appreciated the flexible optional modules enabling students to tailor their studies to their interests and talents and the teaching lived up to expectations.
"I had some very talented lecturers who made great mentors and offered sound advice throughout my university career," he said.
Dexter gained valuable real-world experience during a four-week placement as a marketing intern with brewing giant Molson Coors - which he organised himself during the summer break.
He said: "I made some connections in the beer industry through a part-time bartending job and got my foot in the door that way."
Throughout his time at university Dexter has balanced his studies with being a member of the Men's Rugby society, including being elected to a committee role as treasurer in his final year.
He said: "I commuted to university for my first two years, so joining a society definitely helped me meet new people. I had a lot of fun and made friends for life.
"My role as treasurer was also a positive talking point during my job interview."
Dexter is in no doubt as to his DMU highlight - playing three Varsity matches.
"It was incredible," he said, "with a year's worth of training coming down to 80 minutes."
Dexter added: "I'd like to use my experience to encourage those who have dropped out of higher education to come back if they think they would have a better experience with a different course or even different university."
Posted on Wednesday 19 July 2017