A Levels: English, Psychology, Business, Extended Project Qualification (2013 – 2020)

For me, the best option was to attend sixth form after finishing school. I was undecided about what career path to venture down so studying a range of subjects helped me to narrow down my choices. I knew my interest centred mostly around business, and with the support from Sixth Form I began to know what I wanted to do.

Personally, university wasn’t for me, I am much more of a practical person and wanted to gain first-hand experience in a business. Initially, it was quite daunting when the majority of fellow students and friends were going to university, it makes you question if you’re making the right choices. However, with the support and careers guidance from Sixth Form it enabled me to feel more confident in my decision.

I was fortunate to take part in the DANCOP ‘Learn to work’ scheme, which consisted of discussing to an external group of people about potential career paths. We explored our own personal skills and learned how these could be utilised in a role. A particularly useful exercise consisted of constructing CV’s and taking part in mock interviews to prepare us for job applications. Processes such as this has really benefitted me and has helped me succeed in job interviews. We finished the scheme with a trip to Bowmer & Kirkland, a construction company, where we discussed what employers look for in individuals and how to succeed in interviews, which was very insightful.

Amongst all of the external support that the Sixth Form provided there was always internal support from teachers, form tutors and the head of Sixth Form, Mr Puddy. They made a conscious effort to make time and help with any queries or career related work we required help with. The sixth form were committed to weekly talks discussing our options post A-Level studies which enabled us to see and think about what was available. One of the most useful events from Sixth Form were the career days, where we could talk to employees from companies such as Boots PLC and Rolls Royce. Opportunities such as this enabled me to have a clearer mindset on what I wanted to do.

Towards the completion of my A-Levels I knew I wanted to choose a career related to Business, with a particular interest in Marketing. I succeeded in securing a role as a Marketing Executive for a welding company called Foster Industrial. My overarching aim is to improve the company’s digital sales offering whilst driving lead generation. My main tasks are running and creating content for their website which includes copywriting, product updates and product pricing, as well as day to day running of all social media platforms to position the company as an on-trend player in the market. All of this to position the business as the top welding supplier in the UK.

Without the support of Sixth Form I wouldn’t be where I am today, in a role that I thoroughly enjoy, they helped me understand my strengths and how to use these to be successful in my future. I am very grateful for the work they put in to allow not only myself but masses of other students to succeed in the path that they choose later on in life. I learnt that as long as you work hard and reach out for support that anything can be possible.