Jenni Smyth is the perfect example of someone changing career as a mature student.  When Jenni finished her A Levels at the South Eastern Regional College in Bangor at 18, she decided that she didn’t want to go to University and decided to work full-time for a local retail store as she had worked there part-time during her studies.  Within a short time Jenni was promoted to Manager but after a few years working full-time and after a particularly hectic Christmas in the store, Jenni (aged 23) realised that she wanted to try something different. 

After talking to a Careers Advisor at the South Eastern Regional College in Bangor she was convinced that she should return to College full-time and in the following September she enrolled for the Certificate in Foundation Studies (Access to university course).  Jenni selected the Humanities pathway as she wanted to do Social Work, studying subjects including English, Biology, Sociology and Study Skills.  This course allows mature students to apply for university courses on successful completion.

She found that she enjoyed college much more the second time round as it was her choice and she was more motivated and interested.  There were a wide range of age groups in the class from 23 to 70 which she found helped as they could share their experience.

The course confirmed to her that she wanted to become a Social Worker and during her year at the South Eastern Regional College in Bangor she worked part-time as a Classroom Assistant in a local primary school and in a Children’s Residential Home.  She was also a volunteer in a Basic Numeracy and Literacy class at the South Eastern Regional College in Bangor helping adults with learning difficulties/disabilities which she found really enjoyable and provided great experience when applying to be a social worker.

Jenni successfully completed the Access course last year allowing her to enrol on the Social Work degree course at Queen’s University.  She is now a committee member of the British Association of Social Workers representing students, encouraging other students to become members and making them aware of resources available to them through the Association. 

Jenni also completed the European Computer Driving Licence at the South Eastern Regional College in Bangor which now helps her when writing assignments for university, the Study Skills component of the Access course was excellent preparation for essay writing.  Jenni commented, “the Access course was the route for me, it was my choice and it made me achieve my goal of enrolling at Queen’s to do the Social Work Degree.  The facilities at the South Eastern Regional College in Bangor were excellent and the staff and students worked together to keep everyone on track and motivated.  I enjoyed it so much that I have now talked two friends into doing the course.”

If you would like further information on the Access course or would like to enrol for next year contact Nicola on 028 9127 6781 or visit www.serc.ac.uk/courses