Ashley Peden, Business Studies, 1998

Ashley graduated in 1998 with a BA (Hons) Business Studies degree. He now works at Derby County Football Club based on Pride Park, Derby as a Sponsorship Development Specialist.

In the beginning

Ashley grew up in Derbyshire, studying his A Levels and GCSEs at Belper School. Considering his options for university, Ashley realised that the University of Derby was the right place for him.

Ashley said: "Derby always had a good reputation for business courses. The appeal lay in how varied the course was as it covered all sectors of business."


By studying locally at Derby, he could earn money through his part time work and remain at home to reduce costs whilst at university.

Key achievements

He described some aspects of his role:
"After specialising in advertising, by being involved in selling media publications, advertisement boards and the regular DCFC programme, I developed a well rounded background and an extensive knowledge in commercial sales, pushing me further and eventually helping me achieve my current position as Sponsorship Development Specialist."

Personal experience at the University of Derby

Ashley thoroughly enjoyed his time at the University, describing it as "a positive experience. He believes that the city and the University as a whole have developed, and it has "a lot going for it".

He said: "I speak on behalf of other students who were on the same course when I say that the placement opportunities available really enhanced our employment prospects and after graduation many of us secured great jobs!"

The future

Talking about his area of work, Ashley said he felt "privileged" to be working in the job he does. He sees himself being in the sports industry for a long time, and he believes he still has a lot of work to do in Derby County yet