Trey Norman
Economics BA (Hons)
Despite early academic struggles, Trey experienced a pivotal mindset shift that drove him to improve and ultimately pursue a degree in Economics at BCU, where he found both academic and personal growth. After initially joining a graduate scheme as a Management Accountant in the finance industry, Trey realised this wasn’t what he wanted to do and made the jump into the world of commercial insurance. Now he’s a Commercial Insurance Broker where he advises and supports businesses with their insurance needs.
“In my early school years, learning didn’t come naturally to me. I was often placed in bottom sets and struggled with exams. The turning point came when my dad said, ‘Son, you're not born with knowledge, you acquire it.’ That simple statement changed everything for me. It sparked a mindset shift. I began to rise through the sets, improve my grades, and develop a real drive to succeed.
At college, I studied three A-levels and discovered a passion for Economics. It was the subject that I believed would stretch me to my full potential. But one of my biggest obstacles was getting the opportunity to study Economics at university.
Even with an A-level in Economics, I was rejected by many universities because of my grade in GCSE Maths. I have always believed that academic potential isn’t always reflected in one exam result and that growth, determination, and a willingness to improve are just as important as grades on paper. BCU recognised that and gave me what I needed most: a chance to prove myself.
At BCU, I found much more than a degree. I immersed myself in student life, made lifelong friends, and developed confidence I never knew I had. The lecturers were knowledgeable, passionate, and supportive. Their teaching made the learning experience feel personal and inspiring. It set me up perfectly for life after university—where I was proud to secure a top graduate placement straight away.
During my time at BCU, I was able to secure some short-term placements that gave me valuable exposure to the professional world. One was with London & York Ltd, where I gained insight into the world of finance as a Derivatives Trader. I also spent time with DVN Accounting, which gave me hands-on experience in accountancy and financial reporting.
After graduating, I joined a graduate scheme as a Management Accountant. But after a year, I realised it wasn’t the right fit for me. I made the bold decision to pivot into commercial insurance—a move that aligned more closely with my degree and my interests. Since then, I’ve built strong experience in the insurance industry, progressed into a Commercial Account Executive role, and found a career I’m truly passionate about.
Now, I work as a Commercial Insurance Broker at McCarron Coates. I help businesses manage risk through tailored insurance solutions, applying the economics, finance, and business knowledge I gained at BCU every single day. The course gave me a solid foundation in analytical thinking, commercial awareness, and communication—skills that are essential in my role.
No two days are the same, but a large part of my day is dedicated to my role in commercial insurance. Whether I’m in the office, working remotely, meeting clients, attending site visits, or travelling across the country for industry events, I’m constantly learning and growing.
The most challenging part of my career journey has been embracing uncertainty. Leaving my comfort zone and entering the world of commercial insurance was daunting. It was a complete career shift into an industry I knew little about. But I leaned into the challenge. I worked hard, learned fast, and found that insurance brought together everything I loved from my degree - finance, economics, business, and people.
What’s been just as challenging as it is rewarding is balancing a demanding career with my personal pursuits. Whether it’s boxing, modelling, content creation, or building a platform to inspire others, each brings its own pressures and expectations. There have been moments of doubt, setbacks, and public opinion, particularly after my time on Love Island, but I’ve stayed grounded by remembering why I started: to show others that your past doesn’t define your future, and that true success is becoming someone you’re proud to see in the mirror.
My proudest achievement is staying true to myself. I’ve built a career that reflects both my ambition and personal growth, finding success in commercial insurance while also creating something meaningful beyond the 9–5 through my other business and personal ventures.
Looking ahead, my goal is to build a platform that bridges career development, personal empowerment, and social impact. I want to inspire the next generation through talks in schools and universities, while also promoting insurance as a modern, meaningful career path.
My biggest piece of advice to current students is to embrace the full experience, grow as a person, build confidence, and discover what you’re truly passionate about. Don’t let your past define your future; I used university as a platform to reinvent myself and it gave me the tools to build a career, follow personal goals, and inspire others with my story.
Furthermore, my advice to fellow graduates is to be willing to try things, even if they’re outside your comfort zone or not what you initially imagined - most people don’t have it all figured out when they graduate, and that’s perfectly okay. Keep investing in yourself personally and use your story to fuel your ambition and inspire others.
‘I AM BCU’ means owning your story, standing proud in your individuality, and using your journey to uplift others. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about being real, being relentless, and being ready to make your mark. BCU gave me the space to evolve not just professionally, but personally.”