Humans of Portsmouth - Jonathan's Story

Jonathan was born in Lidköping, Sweden, before moving to Horsham when he was just a few months old. He attended the University of Portsmouth and graduated with a degree in Creative Media Technologies. Within his time in Portsmouth, he worked within the Union as an Event Technician, Projects Admin, and now works as a Groups Manager for UPSU!

Jonathan was always set on going to University - but not necessarily for academic reasons, “I wanted to have fun and experience living away from home and all of the opportunities that come with being at University.” He initially planned to study Sound Engineering elsewhere, however this course required A-level Maths and Physics, which wasn’t really his cup of tea, “I couldn’t think of anything worse than studying Maths or Physics beyond GCSE!”

So began his journey at the University of Portsmouth! For Jonathan, Portsmouth felt like a good fit, with its up-to-date recording studios and closeness to his home. Just before coming to University, Jonathan saw an Event Technician role advertised within the Union which he started at the beginning of his first year. Shortly after, he gained the additional role of Projects Admin!

In his first year, Jonathan studied Music Technology. “Music has always been a big part of my life - my dad plays drums and my mum plays guitar and sings. I started learning drums from a very young age, playing in various bands and orchestras throughout school and college, and completed my Grade 8 in Drums. When I was 15, I started working at a live music venue in Horsham, doing sound for gigs and comedy nights, which gave me hands-on experience and deepened my interest in the technical side of music as well.” In his first year however, he realised this course wasn’t quite what he was passionate about, preferring hands-on, live production. He knew he wanted to stay in Portsmouth as he had fully settled into the island city life, so, he transitioned to Creative Media Technologies!

Within his 4 years at University, the Union gave Jonathan the opportunity to work within both the Projects and Student Opportunities team. One of his proudest achievements from this time was being recognised at the Union Awards with his very own award, the JTM award! “This was a complete surprise to me and it felt great to have my achievements recognised formally.” 

Jonathan's greatest achievement though (other than graduating of course!) has to be the Winter Ball. It was started as a brand new event three years ago and growing it the last couple of years has been an incredible project to lead, with Jonathan looking forward to continuing to build the brand and making it even bigger and better! 

Despite being unsure about his future, Jonathan is grateful for the opportunities the Union has given him, “I still don’t know what I want to do career wise, but I do know that I have developed massively both personally and professionally and I now have a wealth of experience and skills I can use when progressing my career further.” 

Through the Union (who Jonathan has named the 'fun uncle' of the uni), Jonathan was given multiple opportunities both within work and for down-time. When asked about advice for current and future UoP students, Jonathan said “get involved in as many extra-curricular opportunities as you can. Join societies, take up work or volunteering opportunities through the Students’ Union or the University and go to events and socials - they’re all great ways to experience new things and meet new people. But most importantly, don’t take it all too seriously. You’ll never have the same opportunity to try new things and have fun so get out of your comfort zone and enjoy it! (and try and go to some lectures too).”

Join that society, attend that event and most importantly get out of your comfort zone! And if things go wrong, The Union is also there to support you through our Advice Service, Support Fund and a team of people who genuinely care about you as an individual. He wants to remind students that this is the time to take risks and grab opportunities.

Jonathan shares his journey from initially putting himself out there and changing paths to have a University journey he is truly proud of.