We landed our dream jobs without top exam grades
What happens when your A-level results aren’t what you hoped for? Here, well-known faces who didn’t get what they wanted tell Leona O’Neill how they remained positive
‘My results weren’t the end of the world. I’m glad things worked out way they did’
“I went to school in Glastry College on the Ards peninsula,” he says. “I did a double award business A-level.
“I did okay. I got a C and a D. I probably could have done a lot more work. But they were still passes and they were enough to get me onto the next thing that I was signposted towards.
“I did a business diploma and a HND for two years. Then I did a topup course to get me my business degree and I got a 2:1. I always look on education as each step leading on to the next.
“I have never been the most academic or an A* student, but I put the work in. I was sort of middle of the road and I always had a goal and knew what direction I was going in.”
Paul says he had a clear ambition in mind, even from an early age.
“I always knew that I wanted to read the news on TV, from the age of five,” he says. “So I stayed in education and took whatever advice I could get. But I knew that I was going to need a degree at the end of the day so I just kept working away and doing my best and saw where it took me.”
Paul says that he did not let his A-level results define him and ploughed ahead with his goal.
“My A-level results were not the end of the world,” he says.
“They got me onto the next step. They were still passes and I still carry my certificate in my record of achievement, so I’m not too ashamed of it.
“I’m glad things have worked out how they have. I never really took a conventional pathway anyway to anything. I didn’t do conventional A-levels, I didn’t go straight into university.
“I just plotted my own path. I think as long as you put the work in you’ll reap the benefits.
“I would say to those getting their A-level results today to take a breath. It’s ok — whatever you’ve got, you’ve got, and you can’t change it now. But it’s all about what you do next. Think carefully about where you go now.
“At the end of the day, if you make a decision to go in one direction, you can always change your mind. You are not going to be tied down. You are still young and have your whole life ahead of you. Don’t think you have to chart your destiny right now. Keep your mind open to other options, whether that is going to a regional college. You’ll find something that suits you and as long as you put the work in, it will pay off.
“Grades will only get you in the door. They won’t make a career.”