Dan is someone who enjoys challenging himself, trying new things and gaining new experiences. Growing up, he was very active, doing gymnastics and climbing.
When it came to deciding where to go to University, Dan was deciding against the backdrop of the Covid pandemic.
“I could see myself going into the media industry and my Media Production teacher asked if I had considered Bournemouth University. I saw that the university is highly rated in the industry, and I found out many alumni have gone on to do really cool things.”
When Dan arrived at Bournemouth, he discovered SUBU at the Freshers' Fair. He was eager to get involved as much as possible and joined a variety of societies. Just that day, Dan signed up to the First Aid Society, Climbing Society, PARTS (Performing Arts Society) and Nerve Media just to name a few.
“I was blown away with all the stuff that was happening at the Freshers’ Fair. I thought, ‘Oh, I want to try it all!’ There were so many free activities, sports, clubs and societies and I was so excited, I joined loads.”
Coming to Bournemouth with the intention of experiencing university life to the full, Dan also made the most of his Freshers' wristband, attending live music gigs and club nights at The Old Fire Station (TOFS). It was a completely new experience for Dan, and being curious, he was eager to learn more about these events and how all the lighting and sound equipment worked. When he found out there were part-time jobs at The Old Fire Station, he jumped at the opportunity.
“I was having a great time at The Old Fire Station. I had never really been out to a club before, and while I was having fun, being a nerd at heart I was looking around and thinking, ‘How does it all work?’ I love learning new stuff and when I saw they were hiring at The Old Fire Station. I thought, ‘Oh, I really want to do this. ‘I applied, went through the interview process and got the role of Technical Support staff, to help the tech team set up for club nights and concerts.”
After seven months working at TOFS, where Dan showed a lot of enthusiasm, skill, and readiness to learn, he was promoted to Production Manager, a role he has grown to thrive in. His work has given him the opportunity to learn the whole technical setup and support a range of live events, giving him valuable hands-on industry experience and skills.
“As a Production Manager I am responsible for the smooth running of events and the flawless execution of all the audio-visual equipment and other technical aspects during the event. I also must solve problems as they arise on the go and troubleshoot technical solutions. Whatever comes my way, I’ll do it, you know, throw me in.”
In addition to his work at TOFS, Dan has also played a lead role in Nerve Radio, working as Technical Manager of the station since his second year. In recognition of his contributions over the years, Dan has been nominated as a SUBU Student Staff Member of the year at this year’s SUBU Awards, and was recognised nationally at the Student Radio Association Awards, winning Gold for the Hero of the Moment.
“SUBU has been integral for me. I wouldn’t have made the connections that I have today both from live events and the radio.
“The skills I've picked up along the way are invaluable. Not just hard skills, like how to use equipment, but also soft skills – organisational and multitasking, leadership, and team management, but also how to talk to people, network, communicate, work with difficult people, fix problems quickly and how to be creative.
“Without Nerve Radio and The Old Fire Station, which is at least 75% of my university life, I would not be where I am right now.”
Want to find out more about Dan's journey with SUBU? Watch the video below.
You can also find the full 2023/24 Impact Report here.