By Suzanne Bird.
Hi, I’m Suzanne, I’m 23 years old and a recent graduate from Teesside University.
My journey through higher education has been a little different to many, especially after spending 2 years out of education. In 2021 I decided to take the leap and pursue a Foundation Degree in Aviation, Travel & Tourism. Towards the end of my Foundation Degree, it became clear to me that another subject had taken my interest, which then led me to do a top up year at Teesside University in International Business with Marketing, allowing me to gain my full BA Honours Degree in 2023.
In this blog, I’ll share my journey of studying a foundation degree, why I chose this route, and how it led me to discover my passion for a new subject. I’ll also explore how this unique pathway shaped my academic and career direction and why it became the perfect stepping stone to achieving a full BA Honours Degree. Whether you’re considering this route yourself, or you’re just curious about the experience, I hope my story provides insight and inspiration.
Why did you choose to do a foundation degree?
After leaving college in 2019, I wasn’t sure if university was the right path for me, so I decided to take two years out of education to reflect on my future whilst gaining valuable work experience.
By 2021, with the pandemic taking its toll, I realised that my job in business administration wasn’t fulfilling me or allowing me to reach my full potential. That’s when I decided to explore new opportunities.
I attended an open day at Teesside University and loved it! However, after two years out of education, I wasn’t sure if jumping straight into university was the best move. That’s when I discovered that Teesside also offered Foundation Degrees. Given my passion for travel and customer service, the FdA Aviation, Travel & Tourism Degree felt like the perfect fit. Plus, living in Hartlepool, the FE college was just a short 10-minute drive from home, making the commute ideal.
Earning a degree while having the flexibility to work part-time was exactly what I wanted. The college environment with smaller class sizes and supportive staff was perfect for me at that stage in my education. During this time, I gained confidence in myself and my abilities, especially with the added benefit of more one-on-one support.
My Foundation Degree in Aviation, Travel & Tourism covered a broad range of modules, including customer service, sales management, events, marketing, and finance. I had the creative freedom to tailor many of my assignments toward marketing within the travel and tourism sector, which made me realise just how passionate I was about marketing.
However, I was still unsure whether to continue to the third year and complete my full BA Honours Degree. I felt the pressure to enter full-time work and gain industry experience as soon as possible.
It was during this time that Susannah Mead, a lecturer from Teesside University, visited our college to give us deeper insight into the opportunities and long-term benefits of completing the third year. After attending a few more talks and events at the university, it became clear that continuing my studies was the best way to bridge my passion for both travel and marketing.
Why did you choose to do the top up year at Teesside University?
I always knew that if I went to university, I’d want to stay close to home. Having already attended an open day at Teesside University and participated in events and talks throughout my foundation degree, choosing Teesside was a no-brainer for me. The 30-minute commute from home made it easy to balance my studies with part-time work, which was a bonus.
I’ve always been someone who finds comfort in familiarity, and the fear of change often held me back. However, by my third year at Teesside, I was finally ready to step out of my comfort zone. My journey, from starting at an FE college for my foundation degree to progressing to Teesside helped me build confidence, making me more open with both my fellow students and lecturers.
As I explored the courses available at Teesside University, the International Business with Marketing Degree immediately stood out to me. The blend of business and marketing not only aligned with my interests but also opened a broader range of career opportunities in travel, business, and marketing. It gave me a clearer vision of how these fields connect and how I could apply them in my future career.
One module that particularly intrigued me was the marketing planning application. This involved working on a live project to develop a strategic marketing plan for the national brand, Greggs. This hands-on experience allowed me to approach marketing from a managerial perspective, applying theory to a real-world scenario while gaining valuable industry skills.
How has my foundation degree and top up year helped to shape my career?
From my own personal experience, I believe the Foundation Degree played a crucial role in helping me achieve higher grades and a deeper understanding of each module. The smaller class sizes and the one-on-one support from lecturers created a more intimate learning environment, which made a huge difference to my academic success. This approach not only helped me grasp the content better but also boosted my confidence in both my abilities and work ethic.
For my dissertation, I chose to focus on a topic I was passionate about, which gave me a unique opportunity to dive deeper into marketing and opened doors for networking and making valuable connections. Throughout the process, I had the chance to visit Teesside Airport multiple times, where I collaborated with the group marketing operations team, who provided invaluable insights for my research. The connections I made there have continued to be a valuable part of my professional network ever since.
During my third year, the networking opportunities and potential for personal growth were truly remarkable. The frequent guest speakers were particularly rewarding and inspirational, they challenged my way of thinking and introduced ideas I may not have considered otherwise. By connecting with these professionals on LinkedIn, I was able to share my own career goals and progress, highlighting my determination, passion, and resilience influenced by those guest speakers.
Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to gain hands on experience working with three to four marketing agencies, whilst also completing numerous online courses in business and marketing. Each step has helped me build on the foundation I started in 2021, shaping my skills and expanding my knowledge in the industry.
Any advice for students who are considering a foundation degree route?
I truly believe that a Foundation Degree can be a great option for anyone, regardless of their background or career goals. Whether you’ve taken time out of education and want to ease back into studying, are looking to gain a degree whilst working part-time, or even considering a complete career change, a foundation degree provides the flexibility and support to help you succeed. I’d highly recommend exploring the options available.
For me personally, I’m so glad I chose this route. I now feel like I have two distinct degrees that highlight my passions and interests, each opening doors to different career paths. What’s even better is that I can combine both qualifications to work towards my dream career, giving me a unique edge in the job market.
My advice would be to approach a foundation degree with an open mind and be ready to embrace the learning experience. It’s a fantastic way to ease into university life, especially if you’re unsure about committing to a full degree right away.
Gaining a First-Class Honours Degree has been an incredible achievement and has provided me with valuable knowledge and experience. However, in my opinion, work experience is just as important! The job market is highly competitive, and while having a degree is a great asset, it can be hard to stand out, so be sure to take advantage of any work experience opportunities.
I highly recommend engaging with your university as much as possible! Visit the campus, connect with lecturers and students, and explore the support services available to help you transition into your third year if that’s the path you choose. Putting yourself out there, networking, and making the most of these resources can give you a real advantage.
Teesside University truly wants to see its students succeed, and with services like the Talent Pool you’ll continue to receive support even after graduation. They stay in touch to check on your progress, whether you’re in full-time employment or still searching for opportunities, they’re there to guide you every step of the way, which I have found very beneficial.
