Have you ever considered studying for a degree?
Posted on 24th June 2022 at 09:00
(Latest blog from our fantastic team member, Tammy Cooney)
Like a lot of people when I left school, I had absolutely no idea what I wanted to do with my life. Fast forward 30 odd years and I still have no idea what I want to do with my life!! The one constant, nagging thought though, since those early days and the choices I made, is that I wish I had continued to study rather than go straight out into the workforce.
I worked as a carer for the elderly to begin with and I must admit for quite some time, I was happy not to be studying. That need to improve myself was there though and I wanted to prove to family and friends who had gone off to university that I was just as capable as them. So, after much toying with the idea at the age of 25 I embarked on my Diploma in Nursing. I LOVED it, it was great to be studying again, but this was a combined course, so I was studying and working (study block followed by placement) so it wasn’t the full on studying that you might otherwise experience at university. Sadly, nursing was not to for me, so I left and entered the big wide world of employment all over again – yikes!
I had many jobs until I finally accidentally fell into finance, which I love – career choice made at the ripe old age of 42! It wasn’t all plain sailing though, I always felt like I needed to better myself academically, a Diploma just didn’t cut the mustard! Anyone who was promoted around me, had a degree. I felt that those around me who were able to carry themselves and cope with any work situation, had degrees (this of course probably wasn’t the case!) That feeling was always there. Could I actually obtain a degree? Would it further my career? Would I get those promotions? Well, without real, solid answers to those questions I embarked on a degree. I sourced student finance and off I went!
It has honestly been one of the best decisions I have ever made, and I’ve not even completed the degree yet! It has developed my mind, proved that I can do it and given me purpose – I honestly don’t know what I will do when I finally finish the degree (I am studying it part time). If you look at Course Detective’s website www.coursedetective.co.uk, you will see that they now offer degree courses along with a plethora of other qualifications. They can talk you through the degree options available and help you source student finance if you are eligible. All you have to do is express an interest with Course Detective to get the ball rolling, then you can choose to stay as you are, or take that plunge!
I now work for myself and do not see people around me achieving more because they have a degree. That doesn’t stop me from wanting to complete my degree, it’s more than just a career choice for me now. It’s pure determination.
(Tammy Cooney, 2022)
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