Kirsten’s course switch yielded a ‘Noble’ career prize

A graduate who made a last-minute switch to a completely different degree saw her quick thinking rewarded with a First Class honours qualification…and the perfect job.

Kirsten Noble originally enrolled for a degree in Aerospace Engineering at a different university. But she knew from the get-go she had made the wrong decision: “On ‘A’ level results day, there was a bit of pressure from the school to sign up to any degree. I had always wanted to study something involving maths and I’m a huge fan of Formula 1, so my eye was attracted to engineering. As the aerospace industry certainly requires you to know your figures, that degree seemed the obvious choice.

“But as soon as I started, I could tell that my skills and interests were far more suited to the finance sector. I was four weeks into the degree so swapping to an entirely new one at a different university was a bit daunting.

“At this point, I could – and still can! – tell you how an aeroplane flies, so I had some anxious moments about quitting and coming to Northampton, given that ‘the knowledge’ was sinking in. Thankfully, the lecturers here were very supportive, they made sure I had all of the right course materials. The main learning website was easy to use and had everything else I needed to get up to speed. After a few intensive catch-ups in the library, I pretty much hit the ground running.”

After three years’ of hard work, Kirsten graduated this July with a First Class honours degree in Accounting and Finance a grade which, considering the leap of faith she took, was the icing on the cake: “Graduation was one of the best days of my life. I never expected to get a first; I was more of a ‘I really hope I get one’ student. When I got the email confirming my results, it didn’t feel real until I had my degree certificate safely in my hands.

“Just spending the day with my family who were very proud and sharing it with my friends and their families was something so unique and special.”

Kirsten is only one month from receiving her degree, but is already a few weeks into a new job at local accountancy firm DNG Dove Naish: “I’ve settled into my job really well, they are a really forward-thinking company and everyone has been incredibly supportive during my training. I’m learning so much every day and using many of the skills I gained from my time at Northampton. It’s all ‘adding up’ nicely!”

Find out more about the Accounting and Finance degree at the University of Northampton.