“BDC provided me with the steppingstone to reaching my dreams, and also developed me as an individual”
When Todor arrived in the UK, he joined Barking & Dagenham College when he was just 16 years old, coming straight from Bulgaria, with limited knowledge of the English language. There was a very big language and cultural difference, which took him a while to get used to. Todor enrolled on a 1-year ESOL Entry Level 3 courses, which helped to improve his English. He also had a huge interest in Business and decided to complete BTEC Level 1 and 2 Business, before moving onto the Access to Higher Education Diploma in Business course.
Prior to joining the Access to HE course, Todor was contemplating the best ways he could get into university. His search led him to have a productive conversation with the course leader. The course leader explained the benefits of studying an Access to HE course and how it differentiates from the BTEC Level 2 Diploma. What drew Todor in was that the Access course was only 1 year, enabling him to get to university faster.
During his time on this course, Todor really enjoyed the diversity of the modules and knowledge taught. The modules covered everything from business mathematics, statistics and probability, report writing to economics, marketing, human resources and Excel – all of which gave him a strong base for university education.
Todor received numerous support from career advisors and his tutor. They provided him with ideas and guidance on what could work best for him to reach his career goals. He participated in workshops on how to create an effective UCAS application for university and CV writing. Todor’s course tutor also spent some of his own personal time going over cover letters and applications, to make sure everyone was prepared. Todor appreciated this extra time and says, “It was definitely a major factor in why I was able to get into university”. Whilst studying, Todor also undertook some work experience in BDC’s Learning Resource Centre, where he was able to grow his technical skills and confidence.
Todor’s career ambition is to work within the Consulting or Financial Services, preferably within the Investments Department. Now that he has completed his university degree, gaining First Class Honours from Queen Mary, University of London, he is now pursuing a specialist degree in MSc Accounting & Finance, at the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Todor has achieved great success so far towards his career and says, “None of this would have been possible without Barking and Dagenham College”.
Todor’s advice to prospective students: “Just go for it! Barking and Dagenham College will provide you with all the tools, knowledge, skills and opportunities to learn, develop and grow as individuals and professionally. BDC has definitely opened doors for me, which previously wouldn't have been open, such as going to a Russell Group University. However, everything comes with a price, which in this case was hard work! BDC will provide you with everything you need, but you have to put in the effort to achieve your goals”.
