Skip to content
Harry Collinson

Harry
Collinson

United Kingdom
The 1:1 sessions, where my time was protected and I felt like I was cared about and not just a number, is what spurred me on to really progress at university and give back wherever I can.

More about Harry

Harry studied BA (Hons) Business Management and Marketing (Sandwich) course.

Why did you choose NTU and your course?

I have always had an interest in Business. My dad is a business owner and I studied Business at GCSE & A Level, so with it being my best subject and my favourite subject, I chose to study it at university.

NTU was my second choice and I am so glad I ended up at NTU. The main memory of why I chose NTU as a choice was the introductory lecture hosted by Alison Allen on our Open Day, my mum & I were left hanging on every word and walked out of the lecture theatre amazed, along with about 300 other prospective students!

Beyond academics, I wanted a university that was passionate about sports, particularly Hockey and Cricket, my two main sports. At the time, NTU’s Hockey programme was among the best in the country and the top choice for non-Russell Group universities. The state-of-the-art facilities at Trent were also a major factor in my decision, offering an excellent environment for both academics and athletics.

Nottingham itself was a city I had never visited before, but I was instantly drawn to its vibrant atmosphere. It offered more excitement than my small market town without feeling overwhelming like larger cities. The strong student community made it feel welcoming, and its rich sporting history was another bonus. Over time, Nottingham has truly become my second home, and I still love coming back to visit!

What has stood out about Nottingham Business School?

The first memory was the prospectus students lecture by Alison Allen and that left me thinking "wow, how engaging! I hope all the lectures are like that!" and throughout my time studying at NBS, I was not disappointed.

Every year of study, I had at least one memorable lecturer or tutor who made a really positive impact on me throughout my university life and even my professional life now. No one more than Stuart Carnell, I owe so much to him and still will always be grateful to him for all his help during my research project in my final year. The NBS lecturers are so passionate, approachable, and really do care!

For me, I have always been someone who wants to do well, but sometimes lack the finer details of work, but that is something the extra support sessions provided me with my tutors. The 1:1 sessions, where my time was protected and I felt like I was cared about and not just a number, is what spurred me on to really progress at university and give back wherever I can.

The favourite thing about studying Business Management and Marketing at NTU was the fact this was effectively two courses in one. I got to studying and learning the basics about Business as a whole, whilst also refining and detailing more about Marketing.

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!

Still need help?

+44 (0)115 941 8418
Related student profiles
  • Profile icon

    STUDENT PROFILE

    Aleksandra Dorozko

    International Business (with French)

    United Kingdom

    https://www.ntu.ac.uk/study-and-courses/courses/our-students-stories/business/aleksandra-dorozko

  • Profile icon

    STUDENT PROFILE

    Alice Corti

    Marketing

    Italy

    https://www.ntu.ac.uk/study-and-courses/courses/our-students-stories/business/alice-corti

  • Profile icon

    STUDENT PROFILE

    Amy Turner

    International Business

    United Kingdom

    https://www.ntu.ac.uk/study-and-courses/courses/our-students-stories/business/amy-turner