Sandra Prescott BSc Business Management with Foundation

Case Study – Sandra Prescott

My name is Sandra Prescott, and I’m a 35-year-old mature student who started at the
University of Bolton in 2020. My chosen degree course is the BA Business Management degree with Foundation year, and I’m currently in my final year. I’m currently in full time employment with a local charity in the Wigan Borough known as ‘The Brick’ my position here is the night manager of our emergency accommodation. My life is extremely busy as I also have three children under the age of 14.

My Journey

From around 21 until 28 I was a stay-at-home mum and also a carer so my career path never took off like I would have liked it too. After a relationship breakdown I decided to focus on myself which meant going back to work, I held two positions one as a teaching assistant and one as a bar supervisor. Over many years I had struggled to find a job that I truly enjoyed and decided to take the plunge and pursue a degree at the University of Bolton. Within previous jobs I have always had managers that I did not look up to and who I did not want to become like, so for me it was important to understand every aspect of managing that I could find - hence the Business management degree.

The Business Management degree has a wide variety of different modules that have provided specific insights in managing, finance, accounting, big data, marketing, strategic management, HR and one of my favourites project management (there are possibly ones I have missed here as there are so many brilliant modules). One particular aspect of this degree was the inclusion of the foundation year, this year provided me with insights into Further education paving the way for me to progress highly within my degree. The lecturer’s expertise has been astounding and insightful, they have clear real-world experience and a knowledge that exceeds anything I ever expected. My learning and professional growth have continually developed due to the personal and professional academic development module which provided a clear understanding, of the academic skills needed to progress throughout the years. The project management module was one of my favourites the hands-on experience of creating and developing my own project was exciting and invigorating.

Becoming a Student Ambassador

In the first year of my degree, I chose to become a student ambassador, showing potential students around the campus, being involved in open days and also attending the graduation ceremony in the year 2021 was a positive experience that I will remember for many years. I felt a sense of belonging to the University as an individual rather than just a student enabling me to enhance my wellbeing and develop different skills. Being a student ambassador helped grow my confidence and gave me the opportunity to work with student ambassadors from other courses across the university.

The University has offered many unique opportunities such as summer internships, however, due to my hectic and busy lifestyle this was not an option that I could take advantage of but many of my fellow students said their placements were fantastic and a great learning experience.

Real-World Job Experience

Many additional features include accredited professionals attending the University of Bolton to talk directly to students about graduate opportunities this includes Gov skills – who offered a variety of graduate opportunities. In the third year of my degree one of the modules was a mini project; like a mini dissertation, where we had the opportunity to work with local businesses on a project that they selected. This allowed me to understand the way businesses operate. My project was to work with Bolton Council – this was an amazing opportunity.

Supportive Environment

Studying at University has been challenging over the years especially working a full-time job and looking after 3 children, however, this was nothing compared to the personal problems I have faced this last year at the University. The challenges have been mentally and emotionally draining meaning that my focus has not been where it should have been. These challenges are currently being overcome and I continue to focus on my own growth and development.  

The support from my community in the University has been some of the best support I have ever received. I cannot thank the lecturers enough for their kind support, guidance and just warmth that I have received here. I would like to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for everything that you have done to help me achieve this final award.

There are many career opportunities available, and my future prospects have widened. I currently hold a night manager position with a great salary which I have achieved because of this degree and the wide range of skills that I have attained.

The Business Management degree at the University of Bolton is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that should not be passed up on. The small classrooms with tutor-led modules mean that you receive the best attention, assignment guidance is one of the best with every opportunity to achieve the best that you can if you put the work in and commit, the tutor guidance and one-to-one sessions ensure that you are on the right path but also give guidance that many students in other universities do not have. This course offers a variety of modules that will equip you with the skills you require for future career opportunities. But most of all this experience will provide you with friends for a lifetime who are of all different cultures and backgrounds, this includes the tutors as well they offer warmth, dedication and professional relationships that enable you to achieve big.

My overall experience has been extremely positive, and I am looking to further my education by completing a master’s degree at the University of Bolton and then continuing on to teacher training to possibly become a lecturer myself. Even though my personal life has had its ups and downs I can honestly say that my life at the university has stayed consistent and would encourage any future applicants to take a leap and join the University of Bolton.

Ian McDonald, programme leader, BSc Business Management with Foundation said:

Sandra’s journey shows what the University of Bolton and the Greater Manchester Business School excel at, where we support individuals and give them the opportunity to succeed and achieve their chosen career path. This works especially well with the Foundation Year where the University policy of widening participation in Higher Education offers opportunities to individuals who would not normally gain access to university degree courses or who need the extra preparation to achieve their educational and career goals.

The four-year BSc Degree programme has a curriculum that is designed to support your journey through your degree. The foundation year is specifically structured to aid you in developing your academic and transferable skills where the discovery of your confidence in your own capabilities accompanies your technical development. As in Sandra’s case, this prepares you for your ongoing degree journey where you will add to your skills and knowledge in a supportive environment. We look forward to welcoming you to a course that can help you progress toward your goals.