A FIRST-class graduate has secured a job at Audi Brussels after completing a four-year modern languages degree at the University of Chester.

Austen Lowe, aged 22, from Ramsbottom in Bury, is now employed as a diversity consultant at the Audi production site in Brussels.

In his role, Austen supports and develops strategic and operational policy on equal opportunities and diversity.

He said: “I absolutely adore my job at Audi in Brussels. Living in the heart of Europe provides excellent opportunities to use my language skills every day and apply what I learnt during my degree in the real world. The entire Volkswagen Group is committed to cultural change, diversity and inclusion, and I am very proud to be a champion of this at the Brussels site. I hope to continue this work and empower colleagues and managers to embrace inclusion and innovation through empowering diversity training.”

Austen studied modern languages (French, German and Spanish) at the university, achieving outstanding academic results in assignments and exams, resulting in being awarded a first-class degree.

He said: “A modern languages degree at Chester extends to topics far beyond a linguistic basis; it offers a global scope and you learn to understand the cultures of where our languages are spoken. The staff in modern languages were always there when I needed support. As I also worked for the university through the UniJob scheme, staff became good friends and I truly felt that I belonged in Chester.

"This gave me so much inspiration and motivation to set solid goals and always aim higher.”

Heidi Spring-Jones, senior lecturer in German, said: “Austen is an outstanding student who has gained marks which have never been awarded on the undergraduate programme before. His academic achievements have been nothing short of amazing and his work is already of postgraduate level. His ability to understand and develop complex concepts is astounding for undergraduate level. All his achievements are underpinned by hard work and an inherent academic curiosity, which is rare.”

During his time at university, Austen took every opportunity to take part in extra-curricular activities and engage with the University. From attending research seminars and events, acting as a student representative, to volunteering at open days and outreach events.

Austen added: “During my four years at Chester, I have gained more than a first-class degree. Through UniJob and Residential Life I obtained first-class transferable skills, promoting diverse community values, enhancing the experience of fellow students.

“Staff took an active interest in my aspirations and passions on the Open Days and continued to do this throughout my degree course. You are not treated as numbers; the staff guided us to help us to achieve our full potential. I am incredibly grateful to them for their help in getting me to where I am today. I could not have done it without them!”

Heidi added: “There is not a person in this University who has not encountered Austen - he really is the epitome of the ideal student. His enthusiasm is infectious and he encouraged other students to engage more as well.

"Austen is one in a million and in my 20 plus years here at the university, I have never encountered a student like him!”