A Computing & Emerging Technologies student from Solihull College & University Centre is excited to be advancing to university in Salford to further his education and career in the gaming industry.
Patrick Lynch, 18 from Coventry, made the decision to travel to Solihull for his software and games design course, seeking a fresh start and a new perspective. His mother, an alumna of the College, recommended the institution, which proved to be a perfect fit for his ambitions.
“Gaming has been my passion for as long as I can remember. I grew up in the gaming community and making it a career is my way of giving back to a world that has given so much to me,” Patrick explains. “I wanted to improve myself both personally and academically, and this course provided the ideal environment to do so.”
Patrick’s journey has been marked by outstanding academic achievements. Despite doing ok at school, he envisioned a better version of himself and worked diligently towards that goal. His efforts paid off, as he is now a distinction star student, having achieved distinctions in all his assignments. Patrick’s final project is pending, but his track record suggests a stellar outcome.
During his first year, Patrick participated in the Digital Innovators program, which greatly enhanced his skills and earned him the title of Digital Innovator of the Year. He served as project manager for his group, where he learned valuable team management and delegation skills. These experiences have shaped his approach to game design, ensuring successful and dynamic project outcomes.
“I love every aspect of game design, from storyboarding to character design and 3D modelling. It’s all incredibly fulfilling and drives me forward,” Patrick says. “Discovering Futureworks at Salford was a pivotal moment. Their professional mixing studios combined my interests in gaming and music, making it the perfect next step.”
In addition to his academic pursuits, Patrick is a talented musician. He has been part of the Coventry Corps Drums, a military marching band, since 2019 and is a self-taught guitarist. His dedication to drumming and music complements his passion for gaming.
Patrick’s time at the College has been a transformative experience. “The structure of the college and the support from teachers like Antony have been exceptional,” he shares. A trip organised by the College, which included participation in a major gaming event, provided him with invaluable work experience and industry exposure. His outstanding performance at the event led to the event manager offering him a potential paid role in the future.
Looking ahead, Patrick embraces the uncertainty of his future with optimism. “I don’t know where I’ll be in 10 years, and that’s the beauty of it. I never imagined I would be achieving full distinctions and heading to university. Wherever I end up, it will definitely involve music and gaming.”
