Paul Croft: BA Hons Leisure Studies

Paul Croft

BA Hons Leisure Studies, 1999

"I am now a Telesales Operator for BP Sanders and Co Ltd."

Having been a top salesman for 18 years, it took a lot of guts for Paul Croft (on left in photo) to get out of the rat race for a while to be a mature student.

He was so impressed with the University of Luton, he left Scottish Amicable when he was 40 to do his degree in leisure studies.

He had always loved sport and decided, like most things he takes on, to give it his best shot in 1996. He said: “I really felt I needed a new challenge.

“I talked to lots of universities and picked Luton. They were happy to have me with just my marketing diploma. I don’t have A levels but I did have 23 years work experience.

“It was quite traumatic to begin with – there were lots of young people who probably thought I was ancient – but I got through the first year because the lecturers were so good. It got better and better. I was also consultant to a company and a lifeguard.

The course had 24 modules, and involved psychology, coaching, personal development, personnel work, hospitality work and outdoor management events. It was very stimulating.

“After graduating I did some part-time teaching at West Herts and Barnet College and I ran a leisure centre for a year.

“Then I had to have operation on my ankle. But it turned out well because I then got a job temping at a bank and while I was there, about to make it a permanent position, I got the job here at B P Sanders – that was three years ago.

“Now I operate the telesales function for B P Sanders, an insurance broker and financial adviser. I develop new business for them and give ‘tlc’ to customers. I really enjoy it.”

“University is a real eye opener on what you are good at. It encourages you to express yourself. I enjoyed it so much.”

In the meantime golf is a passion. A Ryder Cup Event was held by Topgolf and Paul got the highest score of any player in the event. He won two jumpers and a signed cap given as a prize by top golfer Sam Torrance (on right in photo). Paul’s team have also recently reached the finals of the Hillman Trophy.

Interview took place in 2004.