Ben Foster

Journey to Bradford 

"I have always been interested in computers and media, so I decided to pursue a media-related degree at university. The University of Bradford's "Media Technology and Production" course stood out to me because it offered the perfect blend of theory and practical learning. Compared to other universities' offerings, I was particularly drawn to the emphasis on hands-on experience, including creating various types of media and learning the principles for a wide range of media roles.

"My experience studying at Bradford was excellent. There was plenty of accommodation close to the campus, and getting around was easy. It’s a student-friendly city and one of the most affordable places to live in the UK.

"Choosing to study at Bradford was a great decision, as it helped me secure my first job as a web designer. I used the websites I built for my final year project in my CV, and I landed the first web design role I applied for. I was able to apply many of the skills I had developed during my course in that role."

Career journey 

"I was interested in media roles and had really enjoyed creating websites and 3D animation as part of my course. So, I applied for several roles in that field, focusing on locations that were commutable from my hometown of Newcastle. I was fortunate to get an interview for the first job I applied for, which was a web designer position at PlusNet (the broadband provider). I was even more amazed when I was offered the job. It started in September after graduation, so I packed up my things and moved to Sheffield. Sheffield is a great city, and it’s where I’ve stayed ever since!"

My current role

"I'm now the CEO at The SEO Works, where we are the Digital Growth Experts. As an award-winning provider of digital marketing and websites for leading brands, we’ve spent more than a decade working towards one key goal: to get businesses more customers online.

"As CEO, I’m responsible for the overall success of the business, including its vision, mission, direction, and strategy. However, I always say it’s not about me, it’s ultimately about the team, as they are the ones who continue to lead and deliver. We have a strong culture of ownership and transparency, which encourages everyone to take control of their own time and responsibilities.

"I’ve always worked in the digital sector in some capacity, and becoming CEO has been an evolution of my skills and responsibilities. My first role as a web designer helped me learn about online user journeys and designing e-commerce flows, as well as measuring their impact and optimising them. This experience then expanded into marketing, where I focused not just on optimising the on-site user journey but also on how to drive traffic to the site in the first place.

"From there, I worked at a marketing agency, where I developed my strategic and people leadership skills, before moving on to run a digital health business. When the opportunity arose to lead The SEO Works, I knew it was the perfect place to apply my knowledge and experience in helping clients maximise their digital presence.

"I love working in this field because it’s fast-moving, so you’re constantly learning. Being able to measure the impact we have on our clients' digital growth is incredibly rewarding. Knowing that we’re helping other people and businesses succeed is a great feeling."

Career advice 

"For students looking for jobs in media, advertising, and marketing, I would say that having practical experience in the field is crucial. You will stand out as a potential employee if you have examples of work and experience, especially in digital media. This makes a significant difference in this sector compared to a student who only has theoretical knowledge."