Student Soundbites

A Levels 

Zara Munday, A Levels in Law, English Language & Literature and Fine Art

"I had really varied classes which allowed me to develop my education in different ways. I particularly enjoyed Law – the teacher was really engaging and brought a lot of fun to the subject. From Guildford College I went on to Kent University to do Law LLB and then to Queen Mary University of London to further my degree and study a Masters in Environmental Law. I recently started my training contract with Downs Solicitors LLP in Dorking and am still pretty open about the areas I would like to specialise in - although I am particularly interested in family, employment and probate.

I'm sure I wouldn't have got to where I am had my law teacher not been such an inspiration and made the Law so interesting."

Access to Higher Education 

Arran James, Access to Teaching and GCSE English

"I personally chose Guildford College because of the variety of courses they offered, and the support that they provide to their students throughout the course. They were the only College locally that provided the Access to Teaching course that I needed to pursue my dream of becoming a Primary School teacher and also offered convenient GCSE courses that slotted in around my full-time course, allowing me to fulfil the criteria required to attend university. The qualifications that I gained from doing these courses at Guildford College have provided me with an opportunity to go on to further education and start a long and rewarding career in teaching."

Counselling

Sheila Perkins, Counselling BA (Hons)

I chose Guildford College because it was local, offered a full-time BACP accredited course I could attend one day per week and was linked to Greenwich University. I attended evening classes at the College to start with - Certificate Level in Counselling, and was encouraged and inspired by the tutors to continue to Foundation Degree then BA. It is quite a challenging course involving personal development, counselling, supervision and work at a placement – which can be difficult to fit into the life of a mature student.

A year ago I started a new role as a psychological therapist at Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead, working with trauma and burns patients, those diagnosed with head, neck and breast cancers, outpatients with body image and sleep disorder issues. I still think back to advice/input from members of the tutor team when faced with a 'challenge' in the counselling room.

Engineering

Paul Lofting, Computer-Aided Design 3D City & Guilds Level 3 

"Two years ago I started on the 2D Level 3 Computer Aided Design course utilising AutoCAD; this was something I had wanted to do for quite a while to satisfy my wannabe internal Draughtsman. My background in engineering had brought me into contact with AutoCAD and I felt I wanted to add this to my CV for good measure; initially due to a period of unemployment and later as a continuation of the evening learning experience for the following year into the 3D Level 3 course. I found the courses really enjoyable with college evenings disappearing in no time at all and I especially enjoyed the Solid Modelling aspect of the 3D course. The qualifications are now a permanent part of my CV." 

Marketing

Nicky Betts, CIM Professional Diploma in Marketing

"Since completing the CIM Marketing Certificate and Diploma two years ago I have been working in PR for a luxury travel brand, and I couldn’t be happier. The knowledge and skills I learnt whilst on the CIM course has been invaluable in my day to day work, such as targeting media publications and identifying reader demographics, generating brand awareness, coordinating in-store events and keeping up-to-date with the latest forms of communication i.e. blogs, social media etc. The course gave me the confidence to move into my career of choice two years ago and I haven’t looked back."

Law

Francesca Gill, CiLEX Professional Higher Diploma
in Law and Practice Level 6

"I finished my studies at Guildford College last year and am currently working through my two year post-exam qualifying period.  I have worked at my current law firm for over four years and my progression into my current role is all down to the ILEX qualification.I would recommend this route for anyone with an interest in law, who thinks that maybe university is not for them, as the courses provided at Guildford College are fantastic."

Purchasing & Supply

Jody Crawforth, CIPS Foundation Diploma in Purchasing and Supply
Level 4  

"I chose to do the CIPS Level 4 course as it is the most recognised professional qualification for buyers, I was able to join at Level 4 due to my relevant degree and work experience. I enjoyed studying the course, it was interesting and although challenging I succeeded in passing all the modules and exams.  Obtaining this qualification helped improve my skills at work, and I have since started a new job and I'm sure my qualification helped with my selection."