Graduate success story: Matt Zarandi

Name: Matt Zarandi

Course: BA (Hons) Graphic Communication

Year of Graduation: 2010

Graphic Communication graduate Matt Zarandi admits to having to pinch himself every day when he steps off the train to see his workplace - Wembley Stadium – looming above him.

Now working as a Digital Designer for the Football Association, Matt’s first degree was in Law, but he decided early on that he wanted to change direction and pursue a career in graphic design.

He began a BA (Hons) in Graphic Communication at Wolverhampton’s School of Art & Design, and has never looked back.“My Graphic Communication degree undertaken at the University of Wolverhampton is a time I look back on with fond memories. The staff and students were great but most of all, so was the course. I always find through speaking with others who have studied graphic design elsewhere, that this course gave students a greater depth of education.”

Matt is full of praise for the lecturers who supported him along the way. “The lecturers genuinely wanted to see their students do well and never closed the door on anyone who required any help, no matter what time of day it was. It was really encouraging especially when the stress started to mount towards the end of semesters and it definitely had a positive effect on everyone on the course.

“It also helped personally that I knew I was learning from those who were genuinely good and passionate in what they did which in turn helped me believe I was on the right path and in the right place to achieve my potential.

“With the way the industry is and how technical skills that are important today are obsolete tomorrow, I can safely say I was taught what was required as a designer to apply myself to my role today and more importantly to how my role will evolve in the future.”

Matt initially started his career working within e-commerce in the retail sector whilst also studying at University. He was based in Wolverhampton for four years before moving to London to take on his current role at the Football Association.

His role consists of creating digital assets across the FA and Wembley Stadium whilst also having responsibility for maintaining the appearance of the organisation in this environment. He has worked on plenty of exciting projects such as the current redesign of TheFA.com and motion videos to be played on the Wembley big screen during England matches.“The technical learning curve is exponential and certainly a challenge that I love, as working for such a high profile organisation requires me to always stay ahead of the game whilst always keeping an eye on the latest technologies that are coming around the corner,” Matt explains. Not many people can say they are doing their dream job, but Matt is one of the lucky few.“I feel very privileged to be in the position I am and to be able to combine my favourite sport and hobby into my work life. Every day when I get off the train and out of Wembley Park station, I have to pinch myself as I see the enormous Wembley arch spanning the horizon which always fills me with excitement for what lies ahead!”

He has some wise words of advice for students following in his footsteps. “Whilst the design industry is very competitive and tough to break into, if you know what you want and are willing to go out there and get it, then anything is achievable. It also helps to have a good starting point which the University of Wolverhampton certainly gives!”