Declan’s career journey grew from a passion for business that emerged in his early teenage years. With a drive to learn in an environment that would nurture his ambitions, he credits a robust foundation at East Surrey College for shaping his later success. Following completion of his Level 3 Diploma, Declan studied International Business at Portsmouth University and now works as a Senior Manager at Deloitte, one of the world’s leading professional services firms.
Why did you pick East Surrey College and what inspired you to select your course?
East Surrey College immediately caught my attention, renowned as a reputable institution within my local area. My decision was further solidified by positive feedback from individuals who had previously studied there, all of whom spoke highly of their experiences.
My enduring passion for business made selecting a course focused on its core tenets an obvious choice. This interest dates back to my early teenage years, from avidly watching Dragons’ Den to conceptualising innovative ideas, even if only in front of a mirror, aspiring to present them to figures like Sir Alan Sugar.
How did your course help prepare you for your next steps, and what did you find most valuable about the teaching and support?
My studies at East Surrey College provided a direct and robust foundation for my undergraduate degree in International Business at the University of Portsmouth. Having already covered key elements of my university units, I commenced my degree with a strong foundational knowledge in business.
The teaching at the College was consistently of a very high standard. Educators not only ensured comprehensive coverage of textbook material but also provided valuable opportunities for learning beyond the curriculum through engaging group exercises. I found the teaching at East Surrey to be exceptional, significantly contributing to my knowledge and development.
Share what you enjoyed most about your course(s) and the experiences at the College that stood out to you
I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of my course, from the rigorous coursework to the collaborative group exercises where we developed and presented ideas to our peers. The units studied, including accounting, finance, and IT skills, have proven invaluable to me since graduating from College. My peers also contributed significantly to a memorable experience, with some remaining close friends to this day.
Furthermore, I am deeply grateful to the dedicated teachers who not only delivered meaningful units but also ensured a truly enriching experience at the College.
What journey have you taken since leaving the College, including roles, industries, skills applied, and any further education or training?
After completing my Diploma at East Surrey College, I earned a Bachelor’s degree in International Business and a Master’s in Project Management. My postgraduate studies led me to a project management graduate scheme with an IT solutions provider for public and private sectors.
Following four and a half years there, I transitioned to Deloitte as a consultant, specialising in IT transformation projects and programmes for government organisations. Having recently marked nearly five years with the firm, I was promoted to Senior Manager and continue to thoroughly enjoy my contributions to this leading organisation.
What are your future goals, and how do you feel your time at the College has helped shape them?
My career trajectory remains firmly within the project management profession, with aspirations to manage a programme of projects or a portfolio of programmes. My time at East Surrey College instilled in me the belief that dedication and hard work are key to achieving one’s goals. This mindset was profoundly reinforced by my teachers, who consistently encouraged me to strive for excellence.
What advice would you give to current or future East Surrey College students who are considering the same path?
For those considering embarking on their studies at East Surrey College, I strongly advise cultivating an open mind and being receptive to feedback. While you may have a clear path already defined, remember that the College also presents boundless opportunities for exploration and growth. Embrace every chance to absorb knowledge from your teachers and peers, much like a sponge.
My own career journey has been defined by determination and perseverance. I firmly believe that with sufficient hard work, any dream is attainable – never give up on your aspirations!
