Old School, New Media: Matt Stevenson’s Path from Sullivan to Social Media Success

Many of you may already know Matt – or have stumbled across one of his videos online – but his journey since leaving Sullivan is as inspiring as it is unique.

From achieving an A* and a Subject Excellence Award in Technology & Design, to graduating top of his year in Economics from Ulster University, Matt has carved out an extraordinary dual career. He worked on major national issues including Brexit, COVID-19 and the energy crisis before taking the bold step to pursue his passion for digital media full-time. Today, his social media ventures have generated over 100 million views, supported hundreds of businesses, and seen him collaborate with major brands and TikTok UK.

Despite his success, Matt remains a great supporter of Sullivan, previously returning to help judge our Student MasterChef competition and continuing to encourage the next generation. His story is a powerful reminder that curiosity, resilience and creativity can lead you exactly where you’re meant to be.

We hope you enjoy reading about Matt’s journey – and the advice he has for our current pupils.

"My name is Matt Stevenson and I was a Sullivan Upper School pupil from 2006-2013.

I have so many great moments from school that my friends and I still talk about over 10 years later when we catch up.

My favourite subject at school was Technology & Design. I couldn’t believe that I got to spend my time designing and making things. In fact, I ended up getting an A* at A-Level and winning a Subject Excellence Award - it gave me a deeper love for experimenting/being creative.

I wasn’t 100% sure what I wanted to do after school. I ended up choosing Economics at Ulster University. I wasn’t naturally good at numbers, so it was a culture shock to be thrown into the deep end of economic calculations and forecasts. 

In my first semester, I coasted my first few exams with bad marks and it was at that point I gave myself the ultimatum: If I am going to pay for university, I have to try my hardest. I ended up graduating with a first-class honour’s degree, the highest overall mark in my year, and an award in Economics.

This led me to a career in economics – starting in a global law firm in London working on Brexit and then across into a multi-year career in the government where I worked on COVID-19, cost of living and the energy crisis. This was hard work but indescribably rewarding – I am very proud of my corporate career.

Since I was 15, in my spare time, I’ve made videos and built websites – some of which had me on the national news and radio over the years. I have about 100 million views online and have made businesses over £1 million from social media videos.

One project of mine is called Food Featured is a marketing platform for food businesses. I’ve got the highest viewed food showcase video in Ireland (on Instagram) and have saved countless businesses from shutting down off videos I’ve made.

So much so, that I left my government economics job about a year and a half ago to run my own social media agency full time. I’ve trained over 150+ businesses on social media (including big brands like Audi and Porsche), I’ve worked with TikTok UK 2 years in a row on ad campaigns, and over 500 people have seen me speak live (with my biggest crowd being about 200 people).

When I left school, I had no idea what I wanted to do and now over 10 years later, I found my calling. So, if I was to give you some advice, all I’d say is: be unbelievably curious and never stop trying."

Matt’s story captures the spirit of a generation whose careers have evolved alongside rapid technological and societal change. What began as a love of creativity in a Technology & Design classroom grew into a distinguished career in economics at the heart of national decision-making, and then transformed again into a pioneering role in the digital media space. His path reminds us that careers are rarely straight lines; they shift with new opportunities, new industries and growing self-belief. For any student wondering which direction to take, Matt’s experience is proof that it’s okay not to have all the answers yet. Stay curious, work hard, and be open to unexpected turns. And remember, long after you leave Sullivan, you remain part of a strong and generous alumni community, full of past pupils who are ready to support, mentor and champion you as you discover your own unique path.