One thing we all have in common is dreams, they give us a sense of purpose and usually signify what we as individuals believe to be valuable.
World Dream Day is about honouring the role that dreams play in shaping our lives and fulfilling our potential, as well as show us how our dreams affect and inspire others around us and help them achieve positive changes in their lives too.
One way we try to accomplish our overarching dreams is by creating aspirations and goals for ourselves. These help us find what we are passionate about, and also to overcome barriers, such as feeling anxious or scared that we cannot conquer potential challenges that we may face.
Commonly, these dreams help to define what we want for our future professions and career progression. Dreams can and do change and that is okay, as we grow, learn and develop what is important to us.
We talked to one of our students and a lecturer about what they thought would be their dream job when they were younger, if it is has changed, how studying at BCU has helped them to achieve the position they are in today, and their career aspirations for the future.
Ben is a final year BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS student:
What was your dream job when you were younger?
I wanted to do something where I could help others and work with people. I went through many jobs in my head: surgeon, police officer, teacher.
What are you studying to become now?
I am studying BA (Hons) Primary Education with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). I started my degree four years after completing my A-Levels; during this time, I worked as a Retail Manager and became really interested in working with people, even completing a HR qualification. So, I am really looking forward to what this final year will bring!
What will be your dream job after you qualify?
Hopefully this time next year I will be teaching my first ever class. I am excited to see where I am in a year’s time: the year group I could be teaching; the school I could be working in; the team and community I could be working with. All incredibly exciting!
What job do you aspire to in the future?
In 10 years’ time, I hope to be working as or working towards becoming a headteacher. Schools provide an array of opportunities to develop professionally and personally. I look forward to taking as many opportunities that the education system can provide to develop my career; whether this be teaching different year groups, leading subjects, leading year groups, school leadership, or mentoring trainee and new teachers. It’s a truly great profession!
Shannon Ludgate first studied at BCU, before becoming a lecturer in BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies:
What was your dream job when you were younger?
I have always wanted to be a teacher. Ever since I was in pre-school, that was my dream job. My mum worked in nurseries and schools and she was a key figure in my life who inspired me to want to give back to the community and teach.
What did you study?
I have trained in Early Years ever since I could choose my GCSE subjects and have studied in the Early Years/Childcare field for 11 years. At undergraduate level, I studied BA (Hons) Early Childhood Education Studies here at BCU and I did my Early Years Professional Status training at the same time. My PhD was also focused on Early Years practice, specifically on the affordances of touchscreen technologies when used with three to four- year olds.
What is your job now?
I am now a Lecturer within the Department of Childhood, Youth and Community and I am the Deputy Course Leader for BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies. I love my job. I am very passionate about ensuring our students grow and become graduate leaders in the sector and inspire young children every day.
What do you aspire to do in the future?
Anyone who knows me knows that I am ambitious. They also know I’m not one to sit back and have an easy ride, so it is unsurprising that I am always looking for the next challenge or new opportunity to push me in my career. In 10 years’ time, I would like to continue with my leadership responsibilities in Higher Education but I would also like to see my researcher identity developing, and eventually become a Reader in Education.
We hope we have inspired you to think about your future career, and make your dreams a reality. If you have any questions on your career and would like to seek more information or help, please contact BCU’s Careers+ Team.
BCU students can also take advantage of our Graduate+ extra-curricular awards framework, which complements your degree. It is designed to capture and provide evidence to help you grow as a future graduate while preparing you for your individual career path.
Join us at our next BCU Open Day
Take the first step to your dream career by finding out what BCU can offer you at our next Open Day.
