Access Success Story: Amanda Rowney

My name is Amanda, I am 35 years old, I studied Access to HE Business Management at South Essex College from September 2020 until July 2021 and this is my story.

I studied Access to HE Business Management and received a QAA recognised Access to HE Diploma in Business Management.

After school I went to SEEVIC College to study AVCE Business studies and achieved a C/D. Fed up of learning and wanting to earn some money, I went to work for a construction company in London. I left London in 2016 when I had a young family and needed to be nearer to home. I then started working for a housing developer in Southend.

I completed the Access to HE course because I wanted to do a BSc Building Surveying degree but did not have enough previous experience or qualifications. Since finishing the Access course I have started my degree and work part-time with the same employer.

The best thing about education is that it’s always good to be learning, meeting new people and having new experiences. Education offers more opportunities, career wise and socially and you get to meet people you might not otherwise.

I would definitely recommend South Essex College as the course was easy to access/join, the college is easy to get to, tutors are friendly and helpful and information and resources that are available are excellent.

The course gave me confidence in knowing that I can still learn at my age and that it is not too late to start something new.

For more information on the Access to HE Business courses visit: www.southessex.ac.uk/course/access-to-higher-education-business-management-level-3-diploma