Chris Ross
As part of Chris Ross’s BA (Hons) in Modern Languages and Information Systems, he had to spend six months working overseas. But when his placement offer was withdrawn at the last moment, things took an unexpectedly positive turn.
"I managed to sort out another placement very last minute, with a software company in Dusseldorf," explains Chris. "I quickly got involved in the sales side of the business, learning about channels to market, resellers and distributors - things I knew nothing about when I first started. By the end of my time there, I was responsible for all the company's sales in Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Eastern Europe."
An impressive start
Chris made such an impact during his six-month placement that the company "was shocked when I reminded them I was returning to the UK to complete my final year". So much so that the company retained Chris on a consultancy basis during his last year at UWE - which meant he juggled flying to Europe to attend trade shows, alongside doing his finals. He was also lucky enough to have a permanent job offer waiting for him the day he graduated.
Fifteen years on, Chris has several senior IT positions under his belt and is currently Vice President and General Manager, Europe Middle East and Africa, for a US-based software company. He still spends much of his time travelling between Europe and his company's head-office in California.
"I have worked at large companies, such as Symantec, and small companies, such as where I am now. I am proud of the fact I have been able to grow each of the businesses significantly.
A career springboard
Chris attributes his success, at least in some part, to his time at UWE. "UWE, with hindsight, was very important in setting me on the path for my future career. My placement was an excellent career springboard. And there's no doubt that having a combination of languages and business skills gives you advantages in your career and makes you attractive to potential employers.
"I've been very lucky. I've travelled all over the world doing a job I love. I also met my wife at UWE, just before we graduated. We were both working part time for CompuServe, another IT company based in Bristol. The rest, as they say, is history..."
Page last updated 1 November 2011