A first class degree leads Elena to a new job
Elena Sotirova has recently graduated with a first class honours degree in Business Management from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s (UWTSD) campus in Birmingham and is commencing a new job as an Admissions Officer at the University.
Elena, from Bulgaria, became unemployed from the hospitality industry during the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2021, which prompted her explore ways to enhance her career prospects and acquire new skills. Her search led her to UWTSD at the recommendation of a friend who had enrolled onto a course at the University.
The Certificate in Higher Education was the first stage in Elena’s university journey. Having successfully completed the qualification she decided to study for the degree in Business Management. She said:
“With my background in the retail and hospitality sectors, selecting a BA in Business Management was a straightforward decision. The programme was very well structured, with each term providing a solid foundation in essential business principles. This structure facilitated a comprehensive understanding of key concepts, which I was able to expand further through additional research. The course ensured a balanced mix of theoretical knowledge and practical application, effectively preparing me for real-world business challenges. In addition, all the lecturers were happy to help with additional resources or guidance; they all had real business experience and provided examples of how it is theoretical and could be applied in actual practice”.
Elena says that her decision to study at UWTSD Birmingham was primarily influenced by the positive feedback she’d received from former students. During her studies she became a Course Representative, a Mentor for other students and was employed on a part-time basis as an IT Service Desk Assistant which enabled her to develop her interpersonal and digital skills. She also became a Student Ambassador, actively participating in various campus events. Although managing these roles as well as studying was challenging, she developed a routine to enable her to balance her commitments and credits her lecturers for their support. She says:
“I prioritised my tasks to meet all my commitments without compromising my academic performance. Additionally, improving my English language proficiency was a continuous challenge. This effort enhanced my language skills and boosted my confidence in both academic and professional settings. The support from my lecturers was invaluable in navigating these challenges. Their feedback in each situation was very helpful to me. All these student experiences have prepared me for my current role as an Admissions Officer.
She continued:
“I would highly recommend the BA Business Management course at the UWTSD. The BA Business Management programme is consistently updated to include the latest trends and developments in the business world. UWTSD also offers a variety of bursaries, making higher education more accessible and affordable.
“One of the standout features of UWTSD is its flexible learning pathways. New applicants can start with a one-year course and then extend their studies for another two years, providing a convenient option for those unsure about committing to a full three-year programme.
“This journey has been incredibly energising, fuelling my ambition to achieve even more. Looking ahead, I see myself continuing to work at UWTSD, passionately promoting it as a place where dreams come true. The support and opportunities provided by this university have been instrumental in my success, and I am eager to help new students discover and pursue their paths to success at UWTSD or another organisation”.
Further Information
Eleri Beynon
Head of Corporate Communications and PR
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: e.beynon@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: 07968 249335