“I left school early and not with all of my GCSEs, and went straight into the world of work. I soon realised that I was stuck in dead end jobs and needed to do something else to shine.

I looked for degrees online and found RDI – at the moment I’m completing my HND and would love to move onto the degree top-up year next.

Making myself more employable...

After enrolling, I then applied for a job with EDF energy Networks. They didn’t seem overly interested in employing me until I told them about studying my HND by distance learning. I think it helped because it showed them that I had enthusiasm and they decided to offer me the job.

I started as an admin assistant but got promoted to “Programme Operations Coordinator” and I really believe that studying my HND did help me to secure this promotion.

In my current role, I can put what I learn straight into practice, particularly the law and marketing modules, for example when we have meetings I’m much more able to follow the conversations that I wouldn’t have been able to before, and I think this gives me more confidence at work and in my personal life. I’ve got a broader understanding of the wide world of business!

My employer has been helpful and has given me extra time off to help with my studies. I think that I am developing my academic side, but also I’m gaining extra experience at the same time. My manager has mentored me at times so I’m benefitting from her years of experience in business too!

The benefits of distance learning

My partner is studying a Marketing degree at university (full-time) and we often share views on our courses and what we’ve learned. Some people might think that distance learning would be different to campus study but I think my course is every bit the same, however I get more flexibility and less stress and it’s easier to take my time. I don’t think I’m missing out on the student lifestyle either – I get the best of both worlds. I can work full time and study through RDI so that I can keep earning and then I use my weekends to have fun.”