Clearing student Emily graduates with a First – and lands her dream job

Not getting the grades required for a place at her first-choice university didn’t hold back Emily Pearson when it came to achieving her dream.

In summer 2016, Emily’s A-level results fell short of her predicted grades, meaning she had to look around for alternative degree courses.

Using the Clearing service, she found the course of her dreams at the University of Northampton. Fast forward three years and she is now the proud owner of a First Class honours degree in Advertising & Digital Marketing and has a job in her chosen industry.

Clearing allows applicants like Emily to find courses which haven’t been filled for the new academic year, and is also used by those who are applying late for a course, or if they are a mature student.

“Looking back over the last three years, I’m so glad I found the course through Clearing,” said Emily, who is originally from Wellingborough.

Emily pictured in 2017 after completing the first year of her degree.

Emily, second from left, with her coursemates at graduation 2019.

“It was everything I imagined it would be, it was just perfect for me. Going from school to a more adult environment was really exciting and it was good to meet so many new people with the same interests as me, and form new friendships.

“I worked incredibly hard and was so happy to see it all pay off in the end, when I found out I’d got a First.”

A week or so before graduating, Emily secured the role of digital marketing executive with Northampton telecommunications company, Audacious.

She said: “I love it there. I’m working on social media, writing copy, creating content and working closely with other departments. I am now using everything I learned during my time at uni, and wouldn’t have been able to do this job without it.”

As Emily embarks on her career, she’s keen to encourage others to use Clearing to find the right course for them.

She said: “It might feel like the end of the world if you don’t get the grades you’d hoped for, but if you really want to go to university, do it.

“Think about what you really want to do and use that to narrow down your options – don’t give up, it will all work out in the end.”

For more information about Clearing at the University of Northampton, visit our web page.