Posted Monday 14 August 2017
Chaimaa Sajid Rahimi was casually scrolling through Facebook last summer when a Kingston University piece about Clearing caught her eye. The 21 year old had been all set to study psychology at another university, but was having second thoughts and considering a different route. "Deep down I knew it wasn't what I wanted to do, so when the post about Clearing at Kingston University popped up on my newsfeed I immediately made the call," she explained.
Born in Spain and of Moroccan descent, Chaimaa had previously studied a year of business management at the University of Valencia but did not enjoy it and was keen to explore her interest in marketing as well as business.
Chaimaa looks back on her Clearing experience as the start of something special. "I spoke to Marvyn Boatswain, the course director, who made me feel very reassured," she said. "He was so easy to talk to and after describing the marketing and advertising course and checking my qualifications he said: ‘welcome on board, see you in September'."
Although Spanish is her first language, Chaimaa has always had an interest in English and completed her IELTS (International English Language Testing System) qualification in just four weeks.
Chaimaa is studying on one of the new business and marketing programmes set up last year by Kingston University. These offer students the option of either six months' of work experience in an organisation, study abroad in a partner institution, or the chance to start up a business – all within a three-year degree programme supported by a unique business readiness programme.
Having completed the first year of her marketing and advertising with business experience course Chaimaa feels she's ready to take on the challenges of a role in marketing. "The module on business skills and readiness has prepared me for the working world and really helped to build my confidence," she said. "I'd love to work for a car company, or a luxury brand such as Gucci."
She said the course had also allowed her to explore her creative side. "Whenever I see an advert I'm always interested in the thought process behind it now," she explained.
Course director Dr Marvyn Boatswain said that the new degree allowed students to acquire vital practical experience. "As has happened with Chaimaa, the programme puts students in the mind set to apply theory to real-world business problems – the kind graduates encounter the first day on the job," he added. "The placement and business experience opportunities integrated in to the three year degree place the Kingston graduate at the cutting edge of today's increasingly competitive job market."
Chaimaa said that Clearing could be a lifeline to students who hadn't yet found the right path. "It's a second opportunity to choose the perfect course," she added.