Name
Phillip Hobden
Which institution did you attend?
Cumbria Institute of the Arts
Which campus did you study at?
Carlisle, Brampton Road
What course did you study?
Media Studies
What years did you study with us?
1995 to 1998
Why did you choose to study with us?
A few reasons. At the time, CCAD (as it was known) had one of the up-and-coming media degrees in the UK so it was a good opportunity to go somewhere that maybe wasn’t as obvious at the time. Also I wanted to be as far away from my family as I could so going from the South East coast to Cumbria achieved that as well!
Who were your friends, have you stayed in touch?
A few; Billy, Neil, Ed, Joe, Andrew (our Oscar award winning alum) Shelley and a few others. We still remain friends on Facebook but it’s been a while since I saw anyone in person!
What did you do in your spare time as a student?
I worked at the Pagoda night club - a local club very much for local people. But it gave me some spare cash and knowing a few locals through work maybe got me out a few trickier situations along the way.
Can you remember any student traditions, did you take part in them?
Just the 50p a shot vodka night at the Front Page. It was always a big night out and one that (on a Thursday) often led to a tricky lesson on the Friday morning.
Were you part of any sports groups, clubs or societies?
I helped program the film club for a year alongside Ed, Sian and a few others. I ran an off the books and unpromoted (and not that legal) screening of a Clockwork Orange when it was still banned. We also run a print of Natural Born Killers backwards (by accident) and a Pulp Fiction and Reservoir Dogs double bill.
Do you have any amusing stories you are willing to share?
I mean I passed out in Rickerby Park one night against a tree and, without knowing, next to a homeless person. I woke up with 50p in my lap. Winner.
What is your fondest memory of your time as a student?
I found love... for a while at least. I dated someone for 4 years but sadly it didn’t work out. We lost touch years later, but I still think about her every now and then!
Job title Head of Business Development (Advocacy Lead)
Employer/organisation name Sage
Briefly explain what your job entails
I work leading the market awareness piece for a sector of businesses and accountants for a multi-national accounting technology business, specialising in software for accountants and SME's. Oddly (and this may seem like I’m making this up) but the accounting tech sector is full of cutting edge software and businesses.
What is the most satisfying aspect of your job?
I get to do a lot of talking, meeting people, networking, travelling and helping them to help others. It's pretty satisfising and a lot of fun. I also get to put my CCAD skills to use as I create podcasts, videos and audio to bring what we do to life!
What were your career ambitions when you started studying and do you think that you have achieved them?
I wanted to work in film as a producer, and I did. I produced two independent films which were released globally, ran my own business and worked on videos, corporate projects and more. It was fun. But then I got to take those skills into a commercial world and they are a cornerstone to what I do today.
How did going to university influence your life?
It gave me skills, confidence and life lessons I wouldn't have gotten any other way. It taught me that life doesn't always follow the plan but that you will always retain the skills you have leant, and they will never stop being useful directly and indirectly.
What are you most proud of?
I did what many haven't. I produced projects that got seen globally. It was a while ago now but I'm proud of what we did across those 10 years, the films I worked on and the reach they had.
What are your ambitions for the future?
To carry on what I'm doing. I've been working in commercial roles for a long time now and each role offers me more challenges to grow, put the skills I've leaned into practice and drive change.
Do you have any advice or words of wisdom for students today?
If the plan you set out doesn't work out the way you want that's fine. Not everyone's does. Mine didn't. I'd never thought I'd be working in accounting technology but having been doing it for 10+ years I’ve found my happy place.
You didn't fail or underachieve; you just took those skills into something else.
Few people end up where they planned but it’s what you do on the journey that counts and the impact you make.
Anything else you wish to add?
I'd argue I was lucky to go to university at such a great time - mid-90's, the rise of Brit Pop, Euro 96, TFI Friday, and a true iconic era in British culture. And I did it in a truly gorgeous place. Oh, and I was in the first year of students at the Brampton Road halls... which had that nice new car smell when we moved in!
Submit your own alumni profile, we would love to hear your memories of student days…