Howzat? Ben is bowled over after securing role with Somerset County Cricket Club

A Sports Marketing graduate from the University of Northampton is celebrating after landing his dream job with the cricket club he’s supported since childhood.

Ben Warren was appointed Digital Marketing Executive by Somerset County Cricket Club in March, and has responsibility for running the club’s social media channels, including providing live game updates on match days.

The 23-year-old, who grew up in Bridgwater, which lies less than 10 miles from Somerset’s ground in Taunton, said: “I had always hoped I could get a job working for a major county cricket club – but as somebody who grew up in Somerset as a supporter of the club, this really is a dream come true for me.”

While the role is a dream for Ben, he gave himself the very best chance of landing it by ensuring his CV would stand out from the crowd, in what is an incredibly competitive jobs market.

“The University provided me with every opportunity to gain real-life work experience during my time in Northampton,” said Ben.

“My course tutors partnered me with Final Third Sports Media agency, which is based at the University’s Portfolio Innovation Centre. I spent a year’s internship with Final Third during my third year and it was there that I was able to put the theory I was learning on my course into practice.

“I learnt the basics of sports business and how it operates, and also became really adept at using social media – two skills which are crucial for my role with Somerset.”

The link with Final Third is just one example of the University’s strategic partnerships it has across a wide range of industries, offering students specific work placements and internship opportunities.

This commitment to employability has helped to ensure 96 per cent of the University’s graduates are employed or completing further studies within six months of graduating*.

Ben added: “I would recommend the University of Northampton’s Sports Marketing course to anybody who would like a marketing role with a major sports club.

“The tutors are very supportive and give you plenty of opportunities to challenge yourself and gain real-world experience – something that is essential if you want to give yourself the very best chance of getting that dream job.”

Sports Marketing Management Course Leader at the University, Alan Seymour, added: “Ben fully merits this excellent appointment as he always demonstrated a great desire to succeed in Sports Marketing.

“His marketing mentality and levels of competence he honed on the course, together with networked connections via social media, have had a very positive impact on Ben’s career development.”