Business degree success credited to Wintec’s hands-on learning approach

Jessica Yeates struggled with anxiety and depression since the age of 14 when her mother tragically passed away. 

For years after, she would never have believed, at 23, she would complete a bachelor’s degree in business at Wintec and walk straight into a permanent job at the accounting firm she had done her work placement at. 

But she has done just that.

Jessica originally studied tourism at a different tertiary institution, but the stresses of Covid lockdowns hit her hard and she had to leave after experiencing a mental breakdown. She got through that time with support systems and strategies, and eventually felt ready to study again. 

That’s when she decided to look for an institute that was more hands-on and would give her one-on-one time with her tutors and lecturers. She chose Wintec and started her new education journey doing a Certificate in Level Three Administration, in Semester 2 of 2020.

“Wintec stood out to me for its hands-on approach to learning. I didn’t like the idea of going to university and having massive classes. I wanted tutors who were approachable and easy to reach.

“I have had a massive battle with anxiety and depression, but after enrolling at Wintec I found ways to complete my study and work through it. I used to take the bus sometimes when I was too anxious to drive, and if I couldn’t make class a friend would always take notes for me.”

After finishing her certificate, Jessica was enjoying business studies so continued to do her Diploma in Business. Once that was complete, she went on to finish her bachelor’s in business, majoring in Accounting.

“Accounting crept up on me, I didn’t know I was going to go down this path. During my degree we had the opportunity to go into either Human Resources as a major, or Accounting. I liked the idea of problem solving with numbers so accounting stood out to me. 

“It eventually clicked with me that accounting was something that I’m good at and I enjoy it.”

For one of her final papers, Jessica had to complete a placement at an accounting firm, she completed hers at Shelley Tweedy & Associates Ltd in Cambridge and ended up gaining employment there.

“I loved my placement. Although you do learn a lot while studying, being at placement you get to see the practicality of the business. Being hands-on is the best way for me to learn, so I found it really beneficial.

"If I didn’t do the placement, I wouldn’t have felt work ready.”

Jessica is currently working for Shelley Tweedy & Associates Ltd as an Assistant Accountant.

“I’m really enjoying my job. Sometimes I feel like I’m still at school because I’m learning so much. If you’re not learning anything you would be bored, that’s important to me.

“I would definitely recommend Wintec, I loved my time there. I didn’t really know where I was going to end up, but I’m glad I took the business route as it gave me plenty options,” Jessica said.

If you’re interested in studying business at Wintec click here for more information.