Pete’s Dad died of cancer when he was 15. Shortly afterwards he saw that the Cancer Research charity shop was looking for staff on Saturdays and he applied. When he left college the Saturday job became full time. Pete was interested in meeting the people browsing through the clothes racks. Some were looking for a good bargain, but many were on a very low income, struggling to make ends meet.

In particular, Pete’s attention was grabbed by the many international faces he saw in the shop. He learned that many had suffered from the long delays finding out if they could remain in this country, and the extended separation from their families and culture. He got a job with a local charity working on behalf of refugees and asylum seekers.

At his annual review his manager told him that he should consider getting some qualifications and gave him a prospectus from the Centre for Continuing Education at the University of Sussex with the details of the Community Development Foundation Degree.

Pete’s first thought was ‘I’ll never get in!’ but his manager pointed out that the course had no formal entry requirements - though he might be asked to do a short piece of writing. Pete realised that the study would be closely linked to the reality of his job and that he would be able to continue his work during the three years he would spend studying for a very relevant qualification.

These are the things that Pete was concerned about when his manager first suggested he get some qualifications.

• How could he find out what’s available in Sussex?
• Would he be able to cope with study
• What financial help is there for part time study?
• What will the foundation degree cost?
• How much time will studying for this degree take?
• Was he capable of studying at foundation degree level?

Pete’s boss was very helpful because he’d already done some research and gave Pete and prospectus. However, Pete could have looked at the Foundation Degrees in Sussex website to find out about what’s available in Sussex. He was really surprised to find out that his work experience was sufficient for him to obtain a place on the foundation degree. It’s always worth checking the entry requirements, especially if you are over 20 and thus regarded as a mature student.

What could you do?

If you found this interesting, go to career matters and find out what you could do.