With an emphasis on transferable and real-world skills with a degree from CCCU, our graduates are ready for work upon graduation. Here, Shayne shares how he went from Clearing to Parliamentary Adviser.
Shayne studied Politics and Global Governance after coming to Canterbury Christ Church University through Clearing. He graduated with a first-class degree, and is now a Policy and Public Affairs Adviser for the Chartered Insurance Institute.
Read how Shayne went from Clearing to advising Parliament with the skills acquired through CCCU.
Beginning his journey through Clearing
"It's safe to say the beginning of my university journey was a little rocky. I left college with lower grades than I had wanted and without any intention of going to university.
"But after six months of working as an estate agent, I decided to give higher education a chance. I can happily state there isn’t a day goes by where I regret that choice and where it has got me in life.
"I entered CCCU through Clearing as my application came in a little late, but I liked the look of their offering for Politics, and I had heard Canterbury was a beautiful place to live and study. After a bit of online research, I went all in and the University found me a place on my Politics degree.
"I studied Politics and Global Governance for three years, with some of the best lecturers in the country (and beyond). I received the best political education I could ask for, graduating with a first-class degree with honours.
"Outside the lecture halls and seminar rooms, I met wonderful people who I shared the best of times with, one of whom I fell in love with. We now share a home, a life, and are raising our beautiful daughter together."
Studying at CCCU felt like having one big family, with a small but vibrant town to explore together, in a wonderful part of the country. I couldn’t recommend the experience enough.
Thriving through opportunity
"University is whatever you make of it, and I found CCCU gave back whatever I was prepared to put in. I worked hard and I tried to get involved with as many activities as possible.
"I was lucky enough to secure two paid internships, as well as some voluntary research work, which set me up for my career.
"During my time I also held two part time jobs, one of which was for the School and College Engagement team - another fantastic experience I would recommend to future and current students alike.
"Higher education changed the way I saw what I could accomplish in life. It gave me a taste of a variety of options and opportunities, not just in the political sphere. It gave me the tools I needed to go out and craft my own career. Without it, I don’t know where I would have ended up.
Using the transferable skills learned from CCCU
"Once leaving university I worked as a policy researcher and event organiser across energy, environment, and transport policy. This led me to working in the nuclear sector in public affairs and communications. I am now the Policy and Public Affairs Adviser at the Chartered Insurance Institute.
"I was able to do this because, whilst my research and work experience at CCCU gave me an affinity for energy and environmental policy, the degree developed my transferable skills and knowledge. This has allowed me to be flexible in my application of knowledge and experience, meaning I was able to transition from different sectors almost seamlessly.
"Some of my key responsibilities at work are:
- advising senior management on Parliamentary and external engagement matters
- forecasting policy and regulatory development
- showcasing best practice across the profession
- running an All-Party Parliamentary Group
- chairing a workstream within a working group, looking at improving access to insurance for people with disabilities and long-term illnesses.
"I never imagined having a job that enables me to advocate for those who are in need and advise Parliament. But my experience at CCCU, and since then, has led me to embrace new and exciting avenues of work and thought."
An ambitious future
My ambition is to continue to build and develop my knowledge and understanding of financial services, whilst also creating my own network of contacts, to allow me to rise in the ranks.
"CCCU gave me the tools, the experience, and the support I need to set myself up for success. My life both professionally and personally was forever changed the day I was accepted, and I will always be grateful for what it has done for me."