Julia Fitzpatrick

HND Business and Finance 1994, and BA Hons Business Administration, 1996

"I am now the Public Relations and Alumni Officer at Southampton Institute."

Studying at Luton changed Julia Fitzpatrick’s life – she gained confidence to go on to do a degree, made friends for life and gained useful knowledge for her career.

She said: “Having a degree gave me a foot in the door with employers - I was able to apply for jobs that asked for graduates and it gave me the edge over other candidates for jobs.

“It gave me a lot of confidence in working with others and making presentations, as well as a grounding in all areas of business.

“My original intention was just to get through the HND but I enjoyed my life there so much, I wasn’t ready to go back to my hometown of Andover – moving to a large place had been a real eye opener. I felt able to have a go at the degree, so stayed on for another two years and was delighted to get a 2:2.”

The day after she arrived back in Andover, Julia started a temporary contract as a Marketing Assistant for Twinings, the tea manufacturer, which took her to her first permanent position at Sutherland Health Ltd as Sales and Marketing Assistant. She was then Marketing Communications Executive for Reading College and School of Arts & Design.

Julia is now Public Relations and Alumni Officer at Southampton Institute. She manages their alumni association, organising events and looking after community relations.

Julia said: “What I learnt at Luton gave me the solid grounding for my career as it covered all areas of business. I went on to gain the CIM Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing in 2000 after I had left Luton. But having the degree gave me exemptions from the majority of the first two levels (out of 3) and it also enabled me to expand on the knowledge I had already gained from University.

“I am also grateful to Luton for enabling me to make friends for life – I am in regular touch and see regularly eight friends from there.

“I enjoy working in the public sector and especially enjoy working in education, so would like to remain in that area. My only regret is that I did not take any time out to go travelling.

“Now I own a home with my boyfriend back in Andover. Apart from walking our German Shepherd dog, I enjoy keeping fit through running, and enjoy catching up with friends and supporting Southampton Football Club – I have had a season ticket there since 1996.

“My advice to new students would be to keep your options open and while on your degree, try not to specialise too much – your career aspirations might change.

“Do work hard and play hard – as long as you balance the two you will come out with a degree, fantastic friends and good life experience. I wouldn’t have changed anything.”

Interview took place in 2004.