Class of 2024: Leah Sequerah

Staying close to family was essential for Leah Sequerah when choosing a university, so she was very glad that Essex was on her doorstep – and that it offered the course she wanted to do.

“I wanted to study business management as I am passionate about business and was intrigued by the depth of knowledge and insights into the inner worlds of business that this degree would give me.," she said. “Essex Business School is also well-known and respected, so it was an ideal location for me.”

After initially coming to Essex to study a foundation year with Essex Pathways, Leah graduates this summer with a BSc Business Management from Essex Business School.

It was the year with Essex Pathways which encouraged Leah to return to education.

“I studied a year-long course in business management which gave me a great starting point for coming back into education and for building the skills I needed later in my studies,” she said. “This enabled me to build a good foundation on topics such as accounting and economics and to learn key writing skills which I then used during my degree.”

During her time at Essex, Leah faced many personal challenges, but with support from friends, lecturers and the University’s Student Wellbeing and Inclusivity Service (SWIS), was able to successfully continue with her studies.

“I suffered from a range of hardships from family loss, numerous medical issues, and a late diagnosis of dyslexia. However, the SWIS team as well as my department and lecturers supported and aided where possible,” she said. Leah welcomed the support she received and said she would recommend Essex to prospective students.

“There are so many good aspects about Essex, there are too many to list, but if I had to name a few it would be the sense of community with fellow students and staff, and the facilities for studying as well as extra-curricular activities.

“Its location is also great – and national and international travel is very easy.”

For her, the best thing about the University was the sense of community and the facilities which are available.

“My most memorable moments are the late-night study sessions with fellow students in the student centre,” she said.

Leah is now looking for a graduate position in the business world.

“After graduation, I hope to secure a graduate level job in a multi-discipline company where I can gain experience and knowledge in different fields within the world of business.”