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Callum Devine

April 5, 2023
Callum Devine outside MC Digital building

We caught up with alumni student Callum Devine! Callum is the co-founder of CB Social. CB Social is a Teesside based digital marketing agency who specialise in social media marketing and content creation and have clients across the globe!

Callum studied the Level 3 IT course at Middlesbrough College back in 2015. He progressed to an apprenticeship but was let go and found himself jumping between different jobs.

After meeting his partner at a digital marketing agency, Callum decided to take a leap of faith and kick-start his own business with his partner. Callum said: “We founded CB social as I’ve always wanted to work for myself. After working in an agency, I decided to set up my own as I thought that we could do it better. We have worked so hard and at times it has been tough, but it has been so rewarding!

“During my studies, I covered a range of digital topics, and I got a lot of hands-on experience which prepared me well for the outside world. I still make use of the valuable tools and information I was taught at College in my work now.

“The College boasts brilliant tutors who really care about their student’s education. Some of the tutors who taught me are still at Middlesbrough College now and are continuing to deliver excellent education. I was invited to join the College’s digital advisory board because of the experience I have in industry, so it is strange to now be working so closely with my former tutors and sharing information with them about the needs of the sector.

“I want students to know that sometimes things don’t work out and it is okay to fail. I was let go from my apprenticeship and at the time I was disappointed. But with hard work and perseverance I turned my career around and now I’m the co-founder of a successful digital marketing agency. If you fail, pick yourself back up, believe in yourself and keep going!

“Digital marketing is a growing field and I want to help students gain the experience needed to succeed in industry, so that’s why I offer students at the College valuable work placement opportunities with CB Social. I want to help drive forward the next generation of digital talent, and I know giving those valuable hours of experience massively benefits the students, and it is helpful for our business too! Our work placement students work on real client facing projects and support with our workload. I would encourage other local businesses to do the same and get in touch with the work placement team at the College.

“My advice to anyone considering a career in the digital industry is to pursue work experience and build your portfolio. The sector is constantly growing and changing and there are lots of exciting opportunities.”

Course: Level 3 Information Technology

Previous school: Acklam Grange