Welcome back to the Alumni Blog! This week we had a quick chat with alumnus Phil Brandreth, a University of Chester Business graduate and alumni member of the University’s Basketball team…
What did you study and when did you graduate?
After sixth form I went to Liverpool John Moores to study Business and Information, but after my second year, I got a place at Mount Aloysius College in Pennsylvania in the USA to play basketball and study Business Administration. After three years of American College, I returned and enrolled at the University of Chester to finish the degree I started in Liverpool and got a degree in Business Studies. After that, I stayed on another year to do my Master’s in Management and Information. So I hold a diploma in Business Management, an Associate’s degree in Business Administration from the USA, a degree in Business Studies and a Master’s in Management and Information!
What have you been up to since graduating in terms of your career?
Since graduating I have worked full time in the finance and leisure industry, and also did nearly three years as a PCSO in Cheshire Police where I also represented the Great Britain Police Basketball team. For the first nine years after returning from America, I also played in Britain’s top flight basketball league for the Cheshire Jets and Cheshire Phoenix.
What is current job role? How did you get it?
I am currently working in the finance industry at MBNA and I am also a personal trainer. I am soon to be qualified in Pre and Post-Natal fitness, so am hoping to make this my niche in the Chester area, as well as continuing a career in finance.
Could you tell me more about being part of the University’s Basketball Team and winning the MVP (Most Valuable Player) award?
It’s great to still be able to give back and play under the University’s name. It means a lot to me as I had some great times studying here. I have made some great friends and I love being able to play on the same team as them. The MVP award was voted for by my team mates, so they got me that award! Basketball is a team sport so I have to thank my team mates and my coaches. When my coach called me to tell me I had won the award, I was shocked as I didn’t feel we had the best ending to the season, so it was a nice surprise!
What are the benefits of being part of a team of current students and alumni?
It’s good that you get to give advice to the younger players and catch up with the older players if you haven’t seen them in a few years. Niel Gillard did a great job in securing our national league status and bringing the team together with the Head Coach Chris Wilson. I’m just happy to be able to play basketball on my doorstep for the University and hopefully help them move up to the top flight one day.
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