Matt Wallace – MSc Corporate Communications and Public Affairs

When Matt Wallace walks across the stage at P&J Live to graduate in MSc Corporate Communications and Public Affairs it marks another huge milestone in a journey which has taken him from Canada to RGU.

Matt had already worked in communications for the Canadian Government, but a family move of more than 5,000 miles to Aberdeen meant he had the opportunity to study for a postgraduate qualification.

The 44-year-old father of two came to Aberdeen after his wife secured a university place and he decided it was the chance to build on his communications sector experience.

Matt said: “Prior to studying at RGU, I was employed as a Communications Manager for the Government of Canada in its Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs department. I have roughly 10 years of industry experience working in communications for public and private organisations, as well as 10 years’ experience prior to that working in the radio broadcasting industry.

“I liked what I saw in the Corporate Communications and Public Affairs course offered at RGU – a more practical approach to learning, which I really appreciate. The course leaders I spoke to were very informative and reassuring in my decision to study at RGU.”

Matt’s move to Aberdeen was captured on film when he and his family appeared on House Hunters International and he also worked part-time with a local marketing agency which helped build up his work experience and allowed him to build up his contacts list.

He praised the RGU staff who helped him settle into full-time studying at Aberdeen Business School.

Matt said: “The instructors were wonderful, especially Tracy Pirie and Emma Park, as well as my dissertation advisor Fiona Smith. As a mature student returning to campus formal education in my 40s, these people helped make my learning experience comfortable and rewarding.

“Moving to a new country sight unseen with our two daughters and our dog certainly has been difficult to manage at times, but we’re still here and really enjoying life in Scotland. Graduating with a master’s degree is something I have imagined for many years but never assumed would materialise. I still have the challenge of finding a job to help sustain our remaining time here, but for now, I’m happy to celebrate this win.”