Leah’s Route Leads to Degree Success and Career at PwC

Basking in the delight of her degree, the young woman is keen to share her experience with others who are preparing for their next step in education.  

Leah, 23, said, “After completing GCSEs and AS levels at Grammar School, I found I didn’t have enough points to go back into upper sixth, so I decided I had to find another route. My best friend recommended the BTEC Level 3 Business Studies course, so I applied to SERC and was happy in the knowledge I was back on track for university. 

She added, “I loved the College and the course which gave me plenty of options for higher education. Following the course, I moved to Liverpool to study a marketing degree at Liverpool John Moores University. A few weeks into the course, I wasn’t settling, I didn’t enjoy the degree and I missed home. I was lucky enough to be able to transfer onto the LJMU BA Hons in Business Studies at SERC and will be graduating shortly with a 2:1 which, I am delighted to say, has helped me secure a full-time associate role with PwC Operate.”  

Speaking about her individual route she said, “It’s really important for everyone to consider all their options. There are alternatives to staying on in school and going straight to university. Even if you get there and find it’s not all that you expected, explore the possibilities of transferring course or changing location. There is always another way to get to where you want to be.” 

She added, “I would highly recommend the degree course at SERC (now BSc Business Management) to anyone who has an interest in business but hasn’t determined exactly what field they want to work in, as it’s a broad degree that can open a variety of career paths. At SERC I also had the opportunity to gain additional qualifications alongside my degree programme such as an OCN Level 3 in Employability and Professional Development Skills, as well as an OCN Level 4 in Social Media and Digital Marketing. These extra qualifications look great on my CV and gave me lots more to talk about in my job interview.”  

Leah continued, “I found the learning environment at college much more conducive to gearing me towards work. Working independently helps improve your organisational and time management skills but there was a system of mentoring and support, and as the classes were smaller you got to know everyone quickly and felt comfortable doing groupwork. There was great camaraderie on the course and I know I have made friends for life.”  

She concluded, “I had my daughter Cali with my partner Michael towards the end of my second year and always felt encouraged and supported through my changing family circumstances. This was par for the course at SERC; I think everyone felt the lecturing team genuinely cared about each and every one of us, and how we were getting on, and they were available to offer help and support throughout.” 

Visit www.serc.ac.uk to unlock your future #BetterOffAtSERC.