Congratulations to Jesse Buckingham, who graduated last Friday and begins her dream career at the end of the month. She told us more about her time at college and how it has helped her secure a position in the police force at just 19 years old.
What course did you do and what was your experience like?
“I did the Level 3 Public Services Extended Diploma for two years and then I went onto the Level 4 HNC course. It has been a hectic couple of years for me personally, as I’ve been working in a hospital whilst doing my degree, but the support from my tutor was great!”
How are you feeling about graduating?
“I’m nervous but I’m really excited to get started in my career.”
What are your plans now?
“I’ve just joined the police. I applied in March and went through the whole interview process and recently got my final offer. I start at the end of the month. It’s a bit nerve-wracking because I’m just 19 years old and the youngest one in my cohort but I’m really excited! College assignments really helped me prepare for all the written assessments involved in applying for the police that you wouldn’t necessarily think about.”
Why did you choose the course?
“I’ve always wanted to go into the police. Then the police changed the entry requirements so that you needed a degree to become a police officer, rather than just a Level 3. Once I’d done my level 3 here at college, I knew college could offering me a course where I could progress, so I thought I’d might as well stay here where I know what support I’m getting from my tutors and the course is really flexible.”
What was the support like at college?
“Support from my tutor Deborah was great. She always made sure that I kept up with my work. I think I needed someone to give me that little reminder every now and then.”
How was the transition to a university level course?
What was the best part of the course?
“The residentials we went on as part of the course were great experiences, especially the trip to Linnet Scout Camp.”
What piece of advice would you give to someone thinking of doing a HE course at Chesterfield College?