Ben Ward

Who are you currently working for and what is your job title?

StudyStash - CEO and co-founder

How has your career developed since graduating from the University of Birmingham? 

I graduated just over two months ago. Since then, Jonathan and I have set up a US company, hired senior engineers, marketers, and account managers, raised $500,000, and are moving to New York. I have also stepped away from my IT consultancy, Silicon Square Consulting, to go “all in” on StudyStash.

What is the best thing about what you are doing now? 

I love that I get to do so many different things - from working with universities and managing our growing team to fundraising and focusing full-time on the business. It’s hands down the best thing I’ve ever done.

Why did you originally apply to study computer science at Birmingham? 

I remember visiting the campus and loving it. My brother also attended the university, and he loved it too.

What are your fondest memories of the University? 

The best part of my time at the University of Birmingham was the people. Meeting friends, starting businesses and working together, and still managing to do my course and enjoy everything any other uni student would. The last four years have been, hands down, the best university experience I could have asked for.

What did you think of the learning experience within the University/School of Computer Science, and did you use any of the careers services? 

I never studied computer science at GCSE or A-Level. Joining the course was a big risk. The first-year programming modules were also REALLY challenging for me, but they also sparked my interest in CS. I have now graduated with a first-class honours degree - I’m glad I made the right choice.

What advice would you give to current students studying on your degree programme? 

Do things, in fact, do everything. My only advice is that you are only there once. You can say no to trying things when your knees don’t work and you have back problems :)