Former Business Studies student Alex Pritchard Beattie is the latest college alumna to take to the hot seat and answer our Beyond SWC questions. Alex is now a Business Studies teacher herself, working in Manchester, inspiring the next generation of talented business leaders and entrepreneurs.

What impact has studying at South West College had on your career?

SWC had a huge impact on my degree and career choice. I had firmly decided on a completely different career path before joining SWC and then I switched to Business and it was the best decision I had ever made. It was the first time in my educational journey that I felt I was achieving and being recognised for my effort. The teaching team gave me feedback, supported and encouraged me and I felt that I was given the recognition for the hard work. The teaching team enabled me to pursue my career in Business Studies and were great mentors to me, so much so that I am now a Business Studies teacher. I really enjoyed my time at SWC and made some really good and lifelong friends.

What advice might you give to current or prospective students considering the college?

SWC will support you through out your journey, they will encourage you and give you great advice for the future. You will be taught by excellent and well experienced staff, and you will also make new friends along the way. SWC has a great student community and its really important to grab every opportunity whilst there.

Are there any staff members who played an important part in your studies at South West College that you would like to recognise?

The Business studies department at the Erne campus who supported and inspired me.

Are there any specific achievements or career milestones that you would like to highlight?

I graduated with my Business and Law degree, and then followed this up with a PGCE in Education with Business. As part of my current role I am teaching GCSE and A'Level business and will be enrolling on a Masters in Education in 2025.

Find out more about our range of Business and Management courses at South West College now

Ulster University BSc (Hons) in Business Studies HLA

Dungannon Enniskillen Higher Education Business & Management Level 6 Part-Time

View Ulster University BSc (Hons) in Business Studies HLA

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Business RQF

Dungannon Enniskillen Omagh Further Education Business & Management Level 3 Full-Time

The BTEC National Extended Diploma will allow learners to enhance their base knowledge from year one, BTEC National Foundation Diploma in Business. Learners will study more in-depth Business subject areas.

View Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Business RQF

Ulster University Foundation Degree in Business Management (HLA)

Dungannon Enniskillen Omagh Higher Education Business & Management Level 5 Part-Time

This qualification provides the perfect foundation for your successful career in business management in the private or public sector. The Foundation Degree in Business Management focuses on developing your knowledge, skills and abilities to prepare you for a range of careers in business such as Management, Marketing, Finance and Economics. Learners are supported to reflect local and reg...

View Ulster University Foundation Degree in Business Management (HLA)

Ulster University Foundation Degree in Business Management

Dungannon Enniskillen Omagh Higher Education Business & Management Level 5 Full-Time Part-Time

This qualification provides the perfect foundation for your successful career in business management in the private or public sector. The Foundation Degree in Business Management focuses on developing your knowledge, skills and abilities to prepare you for a range of careers in business such as Management, Marketing, Finance and Economics. Learners are supported to be entreprene...

View Ulster University Foundation Degree in Business Management

Ulster University BSc (Hons) in Business Studies (Including Link Year)

Dungannon Enniskillen Higher Education Business & Management Level 6 Part-Time

View Ulster University BSc (Hons) in Business Studies (Including Link Year)

ILM Level 3 Diploma in Leadership and Management

Enniskillen Omagh Further Education Business & Management Level 3 Part-Time

This qualification is ideal if you have management responsibilities but no formal training and are keen to develop your abilities. It is especially suited to team leaders who want to move up to the next level of management or for those who need to lead teams through change. The programme will help you to be an effective and confident firstline manager.

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