Jermaine Grant
Jermaine Grant, 23
Graduate in FdA Employment Based Independent Studies
Technical Support Analyst, Fred. Olsen
Studying for a Foundation degree at UCS was perfect for my lifestyle as it offered a course which I could complete whilst in full time employment. It was important for me that the location of my training was close to my employer, which was of enormous convenience for me considering my shift patterns and UCS enabled this.
I joined Fred. Olsen as an IT trainee in 2004 for which I was required to attend a course relevant to my career. The Employment Based Foundation Degree course at UCS offered me the opportunity to design work based projects related to my own interests and the needs of my employer. The combination of studying academically at UCS and building on my technical IT skills with help from my employer, I was able to experience the best of both worlds.
Before studying at UCS, I worked at Suffolk New College on the IT Help Desk within the New Network and Media Studies department. Suffolk New College also sponsored me for my courses at NVQ level 2 which enabled me to obtain an IT Practitioner Award.
I liked the fact that UCS allowed me to study at times that were convenient to me. The subjects were planned around my needs and aspirations and have even helped me to gain a promotion in my workplace. In addition to all this, I learned how to present myself and did lots of self analysis which helped in the initial stages of my job application for this promotion.
I made lots of friends whilst on my course at UCS which was very important to me. I participated in one module which required a lot of group work and encouraged us to support each other and work with each other's strengths which has undoubtedly aided me in situations at work.
Since studying at UCS my employer has already complemented me on the vast improvement of my skills and confidence. The knowledge I have gained has been put to use in my work place and I am a more effective communicator and team player as a result of my studies. When approaching work based tasks, I can now research, evaluate and make recommendations in much more depth.
I have enrolled on the top up BA (Hons) Individual Studies Degree at UCS Ipswich and I hope one day to go on to my Masters degree after completion of the Honours.