Laura makes a First Class switch

Laura Smyrell switched from photography to business and hasn’t looked back. For Laura will graduate from the University of Teesside today with a First Class BA (Hons) degree in Human Resource Management, and will also receive the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD) student of the year (undergraduate).

Laura, 25, from Yarm, is now working as a graduate trainee for Tesco, based in their Durham store. Initially she chose an entirely different career route. After gaining A levels in English, History and Art, she enrolled on a photography degree in Surrey.

Laura said: “Within four months I realised it wasn’t what I wanted to do. I needed a change of direction.”

After leaving the degree, Laura took a temporary Christmas job with Tesco in Watford, and was then appointed as a Personnel Systems clerk. Laura said: “I really enjoyed the people side of Human Resources (HR), seeing the impact people have on business. Personnel decisions affect every single level of the organisation.”

Laura returned to the North-East and enrolled at Teesside, while continuing to work part-time for Tesco. She found the degree a positive experience. Laura said: “The lecturers have a real passion for their subject and a very practical background, which they bring into the lectures. You get to understand the whole world of business, including economics and business organisation. I have the skills to see the bigger picture, how HR can drive the business. And the University’s Learning Resource Centre is fantastic, particularly the access to on-line business journals which were invaluable.”

Laura clinched her new role following a rigorous recruitment process, which saw 4,500 graduates chasing 44 places. Laura said: “I’ve made quite a leap from temporary Christmas worker to trainee manager. I feel really excited, bringing what I’ve learned into my new role. I was amazed by the prize, that my hard work has paid off.”

Earlier this year Laura took part in the Race for Life event, to raise money for cancer research. Laura was inspired to take part in memory of her grandmother Mary Lewis, who died later of cancer.

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