Connor attended West Suffolk College and University Studies for 5 years, completing his BTEC Business L3 course and a Business Management degree. He was simultaneously an employee of the group, and therefore able to directly implement the skills he was learning. While here, he completed multiple additional qualifications, including the London Institute of Banking and Finance (LIBF) personal finance diploma over 2 years and an AS in Financial Maths. The first year of his degree coincided with both the opening of the new University and Professional Development Centre (UPDC) and the pandemic. Now, having left EGG, he keeps in contact with colleagues and peers, and uses the skills he learnt here every day in his working life.
What made you join Eastern Education Group?
I did not know what I wanted to do when I joined, so I chose to study Business as I thought the skills I would learn would be more transferable between jobs and industries. I can say that I made the right choice as part of my course; I undertook several different additional qualifications, such as LIBF Diploma in Financial Studies and an AS level in Financial Maths. I interacted with some amazing people and staff, such as Daniel Connor, Shannon Grooms and Erica Brinkley-Everard.
Whilst I was at West Suffolk College, I became a part-time member of staff as I took on a role as part of the PLACE 21 team. My position involved putting on events at Eastern Education Group’s campuses to create a platform for students to get face-to-face engagement with businesses in the local area and further afield, helping them to find work following their time at the college. This was a great way for me to use my skills from my course and extra qualifications, and get some experience whilst learning. Getting paid to work with the staff who were teaching me was also great as I was treated like an adult in their classes, and then as an equal when I was their colleague. I studied at West Suffolk College from 2018 until 2020, which I then followed up with studying my degree at University Studies campus from 2020-2023, and throughout I worked from PLACE 21 from 2019-2023.
When I left EEG, I had gained many qualifications, including a degree and Triple Distinction Star for my BTEC Business L3.
Do you have any special memories from your time with us?
Getting my degree at Bury St Edmunds Cathedral was a special moment for me; it was an amazing setting to take in and enjoy the success that my hard work had built towards. It was also special as I got to enjoy the day with my friends and family.
My LIBF qualification was a very special time for me as I got to develop myself and my CV through an exciting course, where I learnt a lot about the financial maths side of business. This has really helped me in my life, as I then completed an AS level in Financial Maths later in my college studies, which helped me get into university.
I was invited to the centenary meal at West Suffolk College as both a former staff member and a student. It was a great evening, where I got to see many people I had met during my time at WSC, as well as people I had heard about but never actually met due to the size of the college. The food was cooked on-site at Edmund’s restaurant, which is staffed predominantly by students who are undertaking culinary qualifications and are overseen by their lecturers. I had only eaten in the restaurant twice previously at PLACE 21 events.
Something that makes me smile is when I was asked to be one of the students to represent my university studies course in the new prospectus in my final year. I was photographed with one of my fellow students and our Lecturer, Penny Stevens, in a mock study session. This was a funny experience, as we all got told off for blinking or looking at the camera. The photos from the prospectus have also been used a number of times in adverts for West Suffolk College and University Studies. I found it quite funny to appear in the college adverts, and I still get people message me to say they have seen me on the College’s Facebook or LinkedIn pages.
I completed my university studies at UPDC, which was opened for the year I started my course. The College had spoken to students asking why many of them did not stay for university. From what I have been told, it was due to sharing a campus with the college students, which they felt took away from their experience. I felt that having our own space was very beneficial, as it meant the space wasn’t overcrowded so we could discuss our course and essays. We could also help each other out and work collaboratively on group presentations in a calm environment. Unfortunately, I started University in September 2020, so the pandemic meant we could not have lectures in person, which did have a detrimental effect on my studies.
Do you have any connections to EEG still?
I still have several connections with people at EEG such as Daniel Connor, who was my lecturer and colleague between 2018-2023. He was – and in some ways still is – ever present. He has been a great help in my post-college studies; I spoke to him regarding my dissertation, and he asked if he could read it once it had been graded, printed and bound. I have tried to keep in contact with as many of my colleagues from that team as possible, such as Renee Batchelor and Jonathan Boast.
What did you go onto to do after leaving EEG?
I am a Management Assistant at Enterprise Rent-a-car, a position I got after attending a PLACE 21 job fair organised by Jonathan Boast. I have worked for Enterprise for the last two years following on from my graduation from University Studies at West Suffolk College. Having got two promotions in this time, I have enjoyed the challenges that each area of the business has provided me as I love looking for new challenges to keep myself busy and engaged. I also joined Crusaders Rugby Club for the Upcoming 2025-26 season; I am looking forward to adding another challenge to my plate.
Is there a message you would like to share as we celebrate our 100 years of history?
It’s been a strong 100 years, and that is in big part thanks to the people who make up the Eastern Educational Group; be that the staff, the students or the residents of the towns that surround our campuses. So, my message is thank you to all the people that have helped and contributed to the last 100 years, and here’s to the next 100.
Lastly, do you have any advice for future students and staff at EEG?
Just give something a go – you never know where it may lead you! Make sure you dive into it and get stuck in. The worst that can happen is that you don’t like it, but at least you’ve tried. Always be on the lookout for opportunities to take on new challenges, as you never know where they may take you in the future. Without pushing yourself to do something different, you’ll never know what you’re good at and what you enjoy. It’s never too late to find new skills that you never knew you had.
