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News: How college helped Tijan discover a career he never thought was possible.

Please note: This news story may contain information that is no longer current or up to date.

Tijan Mbowe currently studies a sports course with us after securing a spot in the Notts County under 19’s Academy.

Tijan started at Nottingham College last year and was originally studying at art and design course but soon decided that his passion lied in sports. Thanks to our Swap Don’t Drop’ initiative that allows our Further Education students to transfer to another course within the first few weeks of the academic year if they change their mind, Tijan swapped to a Sports Coaching course. After a conversation with our sports tutors, he was encouraged to attend an open trial for the Notts County Under 19’s Academy, who we work in partnership with as an education provider. Not only did he transfer to a place on our Sports Coaching course, but he was also successful in his trial and got a spot in the academy too! He now studies at Notts County and balances his football training with his studies.

Tijan tells us how coming to college opened up his options and allowed him to discover a future career he never thought was possible. He also shares some of his top-tips for those in year 11 considering what or where to study once they leave school.

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Before I joined the Notts County Academy I was studying at art course. I soon realised it wasn’t for me because I wanted to pursue sport instead as I was always interested in it at school. The college were helpful in letting me swap my course and I was told about the open trials coming up at the Notts County Academy as the college run a sports course there too. 

 — Tijan Mbowe

I came along to the trials and really enjoyed them. If it wasn’t for having the opportunity to swap my course, I would probably still be doing a course I didn’t enjoy or may have left education completely.

I am loving my course and find it very interesting. If my future doesn’t go as I hope it does in terms of professional football, I can look into coaching jobs or even starting my own business. I have the best of both worlds; the chance at a professional football career but also educational qualifications that open doors.

Before I came to college, I wasn’t aware of just how many options there are for school leavers. I assumed 6th form was the only option after GCSEs until I started researching my options and realised that wasn’t the case and I can study something I am interested in. 

 — Tijan Mbowe

My advice to anyone unsure is to always look for different information and ask for advice. Go to Open Evenings and use the internet for your own research.”

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Published on:
  • 24th March 2022 (10:59 AM)
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