Meet: James

James left Oaklands College in 2015, after achieving a triple Distinction star in the BTEC Level 3 Extended Business Diploma. 

James, who still lives locally in Hertfordshire, has enjoyed a progressive pathway to employment, citing Oaklands College as the starting point to a career within the Business industry.

We sat down with James to discuss his Oaklands journey.

Tell us about your time at Oaklands. What led you to study here and what did you enjoy about your time at college? 

“My time at Oaklands College was very good. I studied here because of the good reputation and high level of teaching that the college had. I enjoyed bringing the teaching to life through real life experiences, through educational trips provided by the college.”

Does your chosen career relate to your studies?

“Yes, I completed an industrial placement at General Electric, as a Service Delivery Analyst and I have since progressed onto a Business Graduate Scheme at British Telecom (BT).

I was able to use the Business knowledge and theory that I learnt at Oaklands College in the real working environment, which I now apply to my everyday role at BT.”

What would you say has been the major highlight of your working life to date? 

“The major highlight of my career to date has been the opportunity to really make a difference. During my time at GE Healthcare, I was in charge of recalls on front line hospital machines, including anaesthetic, patient monitors and life support machines.

Additionally, during my time at BT, I have worked closely on a project formalizing and communicating our B2B Enterprise Strategy.”

Finally, what advice would you give to today’s Oaklands student if you had chance?

“I would tell current students to work hard in developing yourself and become the best colleague and person that you can possibly be. Also, be ready to take risks and step out of your comfort zone, as it can become very rewarding.”