It’s never too late to follow your passions.

I’m considered a mature student and the first thing I want to say is it’s never too late to follow your passions. I’ve always had a keen interest in law, mostly because when you think about it, there isn’t much in life that isn’t affected by law in one way or another. 

As the owner of a company, I couldn’t afford to take time away to attend university. The University of Essex Online offered and delivered on flexible learning, the course structure is easy to follow and I can fit studying around work and family life. It’s a struggle at times, but nothing worthwhile is ever easy.  

I’ve discovered throughout my studies that the University of Essex Online are there to help you succeed. They’ll support you through the challenges and help you to achieve your goals. I’ve been so impressed with the way that the courses are ran that after my degree I want to explore the option of becoming a lecturer myself. 

The virtual learning environment (VLE) is easy to understand and the guidance is second to none. The biggest challenge is making the time and staying focused. A distance course is convenient, but it’s also so easy when you’re sat at home to procrastinate in some other way. I’ve made a conscious effort to visit the local coffee shop and it works like visiting an office for me. For those hours in the week, I focus on my studies. Many people forget that studying for a degree is more than learning the subject matter – it shows dedication.  

I’ve learnt time management, research skills and drastically improved my language and writing skills. This helped me expand my business, engage in more meaningful conversations and has given me a sense of direction. I’ve been able to research and understand areas relevant to my business and reduce costs of legal assistance in some cases.   

When I’ve finished my degree, I hope to continue studying further. This will include completing a Masters. It’s always been an ambition of mine to go into teaching and I will be using this degree as a stepping stone towards this career path. If you’re considering taking on a University of Essex Online course, I would say do it – it’s never too late.  

Interested in seeing where a law degree could lead you? To find out more, download a prospectus.