08 May 2020

Studying Business at USP

My experience of studying Level 3 Business at USP College.

My name is Laureen, I am currently in the final year of my BTEC Level 3 Business Studies. Throughout my time at USP I have acquired a variety of skills and knowledge on a vast range of topics, including expanding on my English speaking abilities, as English is not my mother tongue.  

 

I heard about the BTEC Business courses at USP through their website, teachers and open evening events. As I started on a BTEC Level 2 Business course my natural progression route was Level 3 Business. The BTEC Level 2 Business studies qualification is a one year course, whereas Level 3 has a duration of two years. During your course, you will be assessed through course work based assignments and two exam units per year. I chose to study at USP College for a variety of reasons, some of which were the mixed assessment criteria, the vast range of unit topics, the opportunity for hands-on experience, including working with or for live business clients through the College Companies, as well as individual and class-based learning. Upon completion, I am going to take a gap year, and afterwards, I am planning to attend St Andrews University in Scotland to study. 

 

My foster father rated USP College very highly, which originally sparked my curiosity. When I researched and visited during an open evening, I knew that I wanted to be part of the College community! I view USP as the College of opportunities due to all the chances they present you with, for instance, as a USP Student you can benefit from work experience, industrial placements, professional development days, and live project with real companies through the College Companies.

 

Colleges tend to be larger educational organisations, usually offering a wider range of courses than sixth forms. USP encourages independent learning and you will have more control over how you manage your time. This can be particularly beneficial if you are aiming to attend university, or enter the working world, as it teaches you how to learn independently. Sixth forms are generally more structured like a typical school day and means that you are still surrounded by the same environment and teachers that you have had before. 

 

When starting your new chapter try not to dwell on past educational experiences, but look at this as a new and fresh start - an opportunity to learn new things, meet new people, and form healthier and more beneficial behavioural patterns. It helped me to set out my priorities, and I try to keep a positive can-do attitude. This includes goals which I am always working towards. I have a daily planner which means that I have a schedule and manage my time from weeks to months. Most importantly, never give up! It’s also important to make sure you are looking after your physical and mental health, and I know that the College has a Safeguarding and Wellbeing team if I ever need to use them. It helps to build a good rapport with your tutors so that you are comfortable asking them for help with assignments and speaking in lessons. Ask questions, challenge statements, think outside the box, do your research and learn independently as well as from others.

 

Choosing USP College as my place of study was the best decision! The teachers are very dedicated, the facilities, including enrichment activities, are great and the atmosphere represents a safe, happy and supported learning environment. Through USP, their staff, my foster father and my own attitude towards learning I have flourished in my studies & grown into a young, confident and determined individual.

 

So, what are you waiting for? Discover what your future as a USP College student could be! Remember: 'Your life, Your Career!'.