2012
Helen Briers
Helen had a full-time job when her employer encouraged her to enrol on a course at Southampton Solent University. The BA Business Studies programme suited her perfectly. “I liked the idea of it being an HNC, HND and degree all in one,” she states. “If I decided I did not want to complete the whole five years, I could leave half-way through and still have gain a qualification.”
In fact, Helen did finish the degree early, but not by leaving the course. “I decided to do the fast-track option” she explains, “so instead of continuing into the fifth year to do the dissertation, I completed it after my final exams and submitted it in August of my fourth year.”
Although this option is popular with students, it is not easy. "This was a really stressful time’ Helen admits, “but I’m glad I chose to do it this way as it kept me motivated, and my employer was really supportive, giving me some time at work to do my study."
The challenge of it all was one of the aspects Helen enjoyed most about studying. “After working for four years I felt I had gained lots of knowledge about how a business works, and I felt ready to embark on a new course," she explains.
Helen also particularly recommends studying part time while working full time.“It really helped me apply the theory to the practical workplace” she says. “But it’s not easy,” she warns. "You have to be prepared to work hard, be able to prioritise and put time aside each week for studying, which sometimes isn’t easy after a stressful day in the office!”
But it wasn’t just the academic and time management challenges she enjoyed. “I also enjoyed the social side” she admits. “I made some really good friends who I will definitely keep in touch with.”