Harry
Collinson

What is your favourite thing about your course?

The best thing about studying Business Management and Marketing at NTU was that it felt like getting two degrees in one. I got to explore the broader world of Business while diving deeper into Marketing. The memories and friendships I made during my course are lifelong. I was lucky to make great friends over the years, and it's brilliant to still be in touch with them and see how well everyone’s doing in their careers.

Did you have an option to personalise your course?

Yes! There were two main ways I could personalise my course.

The first was doing a Sandwich Year, which gave me the chance to spend a year in industry. I secured my placement in second year and spent my third year working - thanks to the incredible support from the NBS Employability team. They helped with everything from preparing applications to support during my placement. I worked with ALDI on their General Management Industrial Placement, which ended up being crucial - especially during the middle of COVID. That experience helped me land my current job, so I’ll always be grateful.

The second way was choosing optional modules. This gave me the chance to tailor my learning around my interests and how I learn best, for example, opting for modules with coursework over exams. In my final year, I leaned more towards management than marketing, and having that flexibility was a huge plus.

Can you tell us about your placement?

I spent my third year on a 12-month (which became 14-month) placement with ALDI. I was based close to home, so I could live at home while earning, which was a bonus. The experience was life-changing.

I worked six months in-store, progressing from Store Assistant to Assistant Store Manager, then spent six months on real business projects, and finally two months supporting recruitment across the region. It was tough—early mornings, late nights, weekends—but it pushed me to grow. Managing people with decades more experience than me at just 20 years old gave me confidence and skills I still use today. That placement really motivated me for my final year—and without it, I wouldn't be in my current role.

What does a typical day involve for you now?

No two days are the same! As an Area Manager at ALDI, I oversee five stores, managing performance through KPIs and supporting staff. It’s a fast-paced environment, full of pressure and challenges, but that’s exactly what drives me.

Looking back, it’s wild to think that at 24, I was managing multimillion-pound stores and leading hundreds of people. But that’s the reality of the role, and it’s something I love. I learn every day and take pride in being able to support and lead—even mentoring Store Managers with more years in the business than I’ve been alive!

What attracted you to your line of work?

Retail wasn’t my original plan—I thought I’d end up in sports marketing! But I needed money for fuel at Sixth Form, so I joined Tesco in Stock Control. From there, I discovered how much I enjoy supermarket retail. It’s fast-paced, always changing, and never dull.

Even during COVID, my ALDI placement went ahead as planned. That security meant a lot. ALDI’s growth, both in the UK and globally, excites me. There’s so much potential to progress.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

Being given real responsibility at such a young age. I’ve learned so much, so quickly, and it’s all experience I’ll carry through my whole career.

Outside of work, ALDI have supported my journey as an International Hockey Umpire. They've given me time off to umpire top-level tournaments in Amsterdam, Poland, and Belgium, and I’m on the path toward the Olympics! It’s a sweet bonus that ALDI sponsors Team GB and Paralympics GB too.

What are your plans for the future?

I want to continue developing with ALDI and see where the journey takes me. I’m still at the beginning, and there's so much more to learn and achieve.

Outside work, I’ll keep pushing towards my dream of umpiring at the Olympics, continue travelling, and spending time with the great friends I made at NTU. I’ve just come back from a ski trip with an old uni flatmate (and fellow Snowsports President!), so it’s important to me to keep making those memories too.

If you had a time machine, what would you go back and tell yourself at NTU?

Get stuck in and enjoy it - because you’ll be sitting here in five years reminiscing!

Being part of the Hockey, Cricket, and Snowsports societies gave me some of the best times of my life. I’d tell myself not to change a thing. I got amazing opportunities like being Vice President of Snowsports and Captain of NTU Hockey 3rd Team.

Do you have any tips for our current students to get the most of their time at NBS?

Appreciate the people around you, students and lecturers alike. Ask questions, get involved, and don’t be afraid to turn up and stand out. That effort now sets you up for success later.

You don’t have to be the most academic. I wasn’t. But I built connections and showed up, and that made all the difference. Don’t just be a number! Make the most of the extra sessions, placements, and support on offer.

Work hard, play hard. You’ll thank yourself later.

Anything else you'd like to add?

I would honestly recommend NTU & NBS to anyone. It has helped shape me into the person I am today and for that I am grateful.

Personally, I will always do anything I can to help, especially fellow NTU students, lecturers or Alumni, so feel free to reach out on Linkedin, as I would love to share experiences or provide further advice!