Natalia was a pupil at St Mary’s in Lugwardine before enrolling on a business course at Herefordshire College.
“I chose Herefordshire College because I wanted to focus entirely on business studies. At other colleges, I’d have to take multiple subjects,” she said.
“The business courses at Herefordshire were much more focused and aligned with the career path I had in mind.”
Natalia hadn’t put too much pressure on herself going into Herefordshire College, but said she was amazed at how well she did.
She said, “My business tutor was just incredible. She always went above and beyond, and the one-on-one support made a huge difference. It helped me to succeed.”
Natalia was proud to receive distinctions in all her grades for her first year at Herefordshire College, and it was then that she realised how much she had developed since leaving school.
“I knew if I could continue with this success into year two, I could apply for university,” she said.
Natalia applied for several universities across the country and was offered places at all of them.
“I came for a taster session at the University of Worcester, and I liked how the University didn’t feel too big, despite being a big place, and so I knew I would get along in that environment compared to other universities I’d seen.”
The University of Worcester has just been shortlisted for the Times Higher Education University of the Year award.
During her time at the University of Worcester, Natalia was also awarded a £1,000 Academic Scholarship for her work and scooped an incredible £3,500 award in a Dragon’s Den-style competition organised by the University of Worcester.
She said: “When I was in high school, I never imagined I’d earn distinctions at college, win an Academic Scholarship, and graduate with a First Class Degree, but I did.”
Looking back at her time at Herefordshire College, Natalia said: “I wouldn’t have been so successful at university if it wasn’t for how my mind was shaped back when I was at Herefordshire College because that’s where it started.”
Now, Natalia is working at a local automotive firm while preparing to do her Master’s degree, which she hopes to focus on business leadership. She said: “For me, progress is everything. I really enjoy my work, so I’d definitely like to stay in the automotive industry.”
Natalia’s route shows that choosing a vocational route can lead to university success and put you on the road to a thriving career with an education which suits the way you learn best. If you’re passionate about a subject but want to learn on your own terms, Herefordshire College and the University of Worcester could be the perfect steps to get you on the path you want to be on.
