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Nicola Renshaw

@beyond_your_grades

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Early Careers Coach
⭐️ Simplify UCAS process
⭐️ Broaden Career choices
⭐️ Develop a personal brand
⭐️ Build confidence & skills
⭐️ Be Future Ready

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Delighted to have worked with Olivia to explore her options and discuss courses and pathways she had yet considered.

We discussed the merits of Uni and Degree Apprenticeships and how each might work for her and it was clear for Olivia after our session that she really did want the full uni experience, but came away understanding how she could maximise her time there as well, with one eye on a career at the end.

Often my sessions provide clarity, give permission and mainly a space to reflect on the noise of everyone else's opinions and make sure you're true to yourself.

Exciting times for Olivia.

#earlycareerscoach #ucaspecialist #careerscoach #surreybusiness by @beyond_your_grades

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17 days ago

Picking a university is rarely a solo decision for a student as lots of people have lots of opinions!! Despite these invariably coming from a good place choosing a University has to ultimately come down to what it is YOU are looking for and it comes down to so many more things than just the area of undergraduate study….

👀city or campus?
👀exams vs coursework?
👀close to home or miles away?
👀placement year or study abroad?
👀size and atmosphere?
👀types of accommodation?
👀cost of living?
👀connections to the working world?
👀WILL YOU BE HAPPY?

What your parents want you to do, or your friends say or even these wonderful league tables rank, take it all onboard, but experience suggests those that put their decisions first will enjoy their course more, feel more fulfilled, stay the distance and ultimately get more out of the uni experience than others.

https://www.theguardian.com/education/ng-interactive/2026/sep/12/the-guardian-university-guide-2027-the-rankings

#independentearlycareersadvisor #ucasapplication #ucas #surreybusiness by @beyond_your_grades

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24 days ago

What are you studying 4 A Levels for?

Not her to dissuade anyone from studying 4 A Levels but experience suggests that students who have done super well at GCSE, enter Year 12 a bit torn between subjects, and think doing a 4th A Level is a good idea and will boost the chances on highly competitive courses at University.

This is not necessarily the case and again in my experience post exploring their options in Year 12 about their future pathways they quickly realise that as 3 A Levels are then standard entry requirement and a better use of their time is perhaps to focus on achieving top grades in 3 as opposed to diluting grades across 4!

Whatever you end up doing - know why you’re doing it and be comfortable you can handle the content across two very busy years.
#earlycareers #surreybusiness #befutureready #earlycareerscoach #beyondyourgrades by @beyond_your_grades

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a month ago

Sometimes parents like to listen into 1-1 sessions too. For various reasons, but a main one is how completely overwhelming the UCAS process can be as so much has changed since ‘their day’!

It’s also lovely that they can then be involved and support their child be informed and understand what needs to happen when.

It’s even more lovely to get such feedback….

If things haven’t gone your way today or you want to explore alternative pathways do get in touch. There are so many routes to a fulfilling and successful next step.

#1-1careers #careersguidance #earlycareers #surreybusiness by @beyond_your_grades

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2 months ago

UCAS & CLEARING: Don’t Panic…

Results day is nearly here - and if things don’t go exactly to plan, you still have options.

⭐️ Firstly, going through clearing is not a failure! Many students use it every year to find their next step and the course they end up picking tends to end up being the best route for them!

🔍 Now is the right time to do some research. Find a shortlist of courses and unis that you’d genuinely be happy to go to.

☎️ Be prepared to speak to universities on the phone and ask insightful questions, for example, about the course, the place and entry requirements.

👀 Have all your details ready such as your UCAS ID, your results and even a copy of your personal statement in case they are ask you something specific that you’ve mentioned.

💡Remember that University isn’t the only option. Now might well be the time to explore other options that you’d considered but put on the back burner.

⭐️ Finally, don’t rush your decision - just because there are places it doesn’t mean you have to take the first one you see!!

Good luck - stay calm and remember wherever you end up they will be lucky to have YOU by @beyond_your_grades

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2 months ago

It was an absolute pleasure to have a brilliant session with the amazing Orla this week.

A committed student with clear goals and aspirations that she can be proud of. We worked together so she could see some other options available and also ensure she was not wasting time on extra activities that would not support her course applications.

She now has a plan, firm goals and understands where to focus her time over the next 2 years alongside her A Levels studies.

Well done Orla - 👏 👏 @orlaa.fox by @beyond_your_grades

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2 months ago

Before you write your Personal Statement, take time to make a plan and truly think what it is you want to say.

Take time to make it your own statement - one that isn’t just stuffed full of super-curriculars for the sake of it but follows the ABC (Action, Benefit and Context) principle and brings to life who you are and why a University would be lucky to have YOU!

Comment ‘MINDMAP’ and I’ll send you my free personal statement guide to take to stress out of the process.

#earlycareers #surreysmallbusiness #beyondyourgrades #careerscoaching by @beyond_your_grades

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2 months ago

🛑 STOP Year 12’s if you’re stuck with your personal statement….

The biggest mistake students make is opening a blank document and trying to write.

Instead start by thinking.

• What sparked your interest?
• What fascinates you in a subject?
• What have you explored beyond school?
• Why are you excited to study this for the next 3-4 years?

Once you’ve answered those questions, writing becomes much easier.

I’ve created a FREE personal statement mindmap guide that walks you through exactly how to do this.

Comment ‘Mindmap’ and I’ll send it to you.

Good luck 🤞

#earlycareers #beyondyourgrades #surreybusiness #earlycareerscoach by @beyond_your_grades

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3 months ago

It really is as simple as ABC…

When it comes to your personal statement you want to be thinking:

A for action - what is it that you did.
B for benefit - what did you learn
C for context - how has that helped

It’s a great idea if you’re in Year 12 to be working on a first or second draft of your personal statement so that you’re ready for when you start back in September.

It’s not an easy piece of writing but do get in touch if you’d like some more tips and ideas how you can write an authentic and engaging personal statement.
#surreybusiness #earlycareers #beyondyourgrades #befutureready #earlycareerscoach by @beyond_your_grades

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3 months ago

Such a pleasure to support such a brilliant student!

He was committed to the process and sure of what he wanted.

Thank you @avandra_escapes for this lovely testimonial. I know he's going to be amazing.

#earlycareerscoach #surreybusiness #degreeapprenticeships #uniapplications #independentbusiness by @beyond_your_grades

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3 months ago

Whether you're already set on a degree or still have no idea what you'd like to study at University, if you want to go at all, the most valuable thing you can do over the summer is explore.

🎯Read beyond your A-levels.
🎯Listen to podcasts.
🎯Visit university open days.
🎯Speak to people working in careers that interest you.
🎯Experience the work place - volunteering, shadowing, insight days.
🎯Try a short online course.
🎯Keep a note of what excites you and what doesn't.

University applications aren't about proving you've done everything. They're about showing genuine curiosity, enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.

And remember, choosing a university course isn't just about asking "What am I good at?" It's also worth asking:

• What do I enjoy learning about?
• What sort of problems do I like solving?
• What kind of life and career do I want to build?
• Why do I want to go to university in the first place?

You don't need all the answers this summer. But if you ask good questions and stay open-minded, you'll be in a much stronger position when September and back to school or college arrives.

#earlycareerscoach #surreycareerscoach #year12 #sixthform #universityapplications #ucas2027 by @beyond_your_grades

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3 months ago

🎓 60 applications. 2 offers.

I had the pleasure of catching up with one of the amazing students that I helped last year. She had left school with great A level grades and 5 University offers. However, seeing her sisters struggle to find a graduate role, she decided a Degree Apprenticeship was the route she wanted to go down. So she took a GAP year, but her story was not a simple one.

So sharing some valuable reminders for anyone considering this route.

📅 Start earlier than you think.
The recruitment process is long, competitive and often starts months before you might expect.

📚 Do your research.
The strongest candidates understand the company, its culture, values and industry. Generic applications rarely stand out.

🎯 Practise assessment centres.
Success isn't just about academic ability. Assessment centres, psychometric tests, group exercises and interviews all require preparation and practice.

⏳ Consider your timing.
Looking back, she felt she couldn't have managed the application process alongside the demands of A Levels. Taking a GAP year gave her the time and headspace to fully commit to applications.

⚡ Be ready to move quickly.
Opportunities don't always wait. Some employers expect candidates to respond, interview or complete assessments at short notice. Organisation IS essential.

Most importantly, she reminded me that resilience matters.

Behind those 2 offers were 58 unsuccessful applications, countless hours of preparation and a determination to keep going when it would have been easier to give up.

The lesson?

Degree apprenticeships are an incredible opportunity, but they are not a shortcut or an easy option. They require planning, persistence and preparation.

The students who succeed are often the ones who start early and stay the course.

If you want any help regarding your future options or those for your child, do let me know.

#DegreeApprenticeships #ucas #CareersEducation #FutureOfWork #Apprenticeships #StudentSuccess #GapYear #EmployabilitySkills #CareersGuidance by @beyond_your_grades

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4 months ago