15 January 2024
1. Can you tell us your name and one interesting fact about yourself?
I’m Scott, 21 and I have a keen interest in record collecting, gig-going and all things music, new and old.
2. What year did you graduate from Llanishen High School?
I graduated from Llanishen High School in the summer of 2021.
3. What subjects did you study or were you particularly interested in while you were with us?
At A Level, I studied Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Music. I also enjoyed History when studying it at GCSE level and was disappointed that I was unable to carry it through to A Level.
4. What are you doing now, and can you tell us how you got to this point?
I’m currently in my second year studying a BSc in Accounting and Finance at the University of Bristol. I had initially applied for Maths at Bristol, and completed a term before I decided I was not suited to the course and began seeking a transfer to something more applied. I was fortunate to be welcomed by the Finance school and after six months working back in Cardiff, I began in first year again in Bristol. I’m now far more settled and engaged with the content.
5. Did you always know this career was something you wanted to pursue? If not, what other career options were you considering?
While I had never been set on a single career, I imagined my Maths degree would have led me into a career working in finance, or maybe as an accountant. So when the opportunity came to receive more focused teaching, it made sense to switch courses. I was concerned that a career in music as a musician or a journalist would taint my love for it, so now it remains my passion and hobby, just as I like it.
6. Looking back, what advice would you give to your 16-year-old self?
I’ve already had to make some difficult decisions at University because of my choices three years ago. Applying for a Maths course was a mistake because I was more interested in the application of it than the theoretical element. If I could go back, of course, I would have applied for Accounting & Finance initially, but I also would have taken Economics instead of Physics, because it would have made more sense for my career prospects. I also would have been taught by Mr Edwards, who was always supportive as my form tutor, and whom I had a great relationship with.
7. What advice would you give to students today thinking about their future?
My advice would be that you should be ambitious with applications and pick a city that you feel comfortable exploring and will give you opportunities to engage in the activities you want to. Bristol is a vibrant, bustling place with a flourishing, diverse music scene, in addition to its excellent Russell Group university and relative proximity. University is a formative time, so pick a place you want to grow up in. In Sixth Form, I had an idea of what I was good at, but it’s normal to be unsure about your career at this stage. Your primary focus should be nailing your A Levels, because the university of your dreams will soon come knocking! Then it’s all about playing to your strengths. It may be that you are taking a course that will lead directly into a career but be assured that courses such as English Literature, Biology and Economics offer a wide array of jobs after graduation. Lastly, and most importantly, be curious! Have fun researching what uni will suit you best. This is an exciting time in your life, and you shouldn’t forget that.
If you’d like more information about our alumni network or would like to get involved, please complete the form on our alumni page and a member of staff will come back to you.