Sharon White

• Year of graduation: 2024
• Job: Trainee Teacher at Bedford College Group

I chose to study the English course at the University of Northampton because it had a very diverse and interesting range of module choices, and the campus is a welcoming place with good transport links from my location.

By far the most important and enjoyable part of my degree was the engaging teaching provided by the lecturers – their passion, knowledge and expertise made every class interesting and made my investment in my education worthwhile. The quality and quantity of tuition and the guidance and quality feedback from the lecturers was invaluable.

As well as my studies, I supported the English department at Open Days, which gave me inspiration for future ambitions. I also attended several theatre trips organised by the English department and spent one month in the Netherlands on an exchange programme, which was fantastic for my personal and professional development. I gained a wealth of experience from these trips and the exchange of knowledge, which allowed me to diversify my career options.

I’m now pursuing teacher training as a direct result of my degree. I’m teaching English GCSE and A-level as part of my ProfGCE and will go on to specialise in SEND and adult learning. My degree provided the platform for this onward journey by showing me the array of employment opportunities in my chosen field. I’m now focusing on continuing my education which will lead to employment within my FE institution, allowing me to then study a master’s degree.

Of course, the intense and in-depth study of literature and literature theory are necessary when providing education on this subject, however, the insights into the way of looking at the world and understanding the importance of critical thinking, and the exploration of human social interaction through the arts, has broadened my mind and given me the ability to navigate the changing world and the diverse mix of people I come into contact with, both within work and outside. The Education Studies aspect of my degree has also given me particular insights into the field of employment I’m involved with.

For many reasons, I volunteer on the board of trustees for a local ReadEasy group that provides lessons for adult non-readers. This is a very rewarding role, as the joy and freedom that reading brings can change a person’s life and open doors that would have previously been closed without the ability to read – from reading the directions on medication, to finding employment.

The advice I would give to undergraduates interested in this career path would be to find a placement early for your teaching hours, but don’t get stressed about getting it all in, as the institution will find ways to get you to the required level. Also, if you plan to continue to a master’s degree, do this before you take on a PGCE as you will go straight into paid employment after that, and it may be a lot to try to balance this with your studies.

My time at the University of Northampton was a life-changing and eye-opening experience, with students and staff I’ll remember forever.