My time at College was truly character-building and filled with both challenges and achievements. I’m especially grateful for the people who believed in me during the tougher moments: their support gave me the drive and determination that continue to push me today. I also met a close group of friends who remain an important part of my life.

One of my most memorable experiences was building strong friendships with my course mates during Covid. It was a difficult time socially, academically, and mentally, but having that group of people around me made all the difference. We supported each other through it and came out stronger. Another moment I’ll never forget was playing for the rugby team the day before my GB American Football trials. Despite splitting my eyebrow open during the match, the encouragement from those around me motivated me to still travel to Sheffield for the trials, where I was successful in securing a spot, which meant a lot to me at the time.

Reigate College had a huge impact on my future, helping me develop independence and confidence. It was the perfect environment for self-starters. I’m particularly thankful to Ashish, the former Head of Mathematics, who recommended me for a social mobility programme through which I secured a mentor. That opportunity set me on the right path and played a key role in getting me to where I am today.

After leaving College, I expected to go straight to university but unfortunately, I didn’t achieve the grades I needed, so I took a gap year and worked at Nando’s. During that time, my mentor at Google encouraged me to apply for internships, which led to my first experience in finance, setting the direction for my career.

I later joined the University of Nottingham on a Foundation year in Engineering, which taught me that not everything always goes to plan. Although I originally wanted to study Economics, I proved my capability in a quantitative subject and successfully transferred to the Economics course. In my first year, I focused heavily on securing Spring weeks, attending insight days, and making the most of every opportunity, sometimes sacrificing free time to catch up academically. The effort paid off as I achieved a 2:1 for my first year as well as securing multiple Spring weeks, later converting them into summer internship offers in Sales & Trading and Investment Banking.

Alongside this, I’ve launched my own creative business in fashion, balancing it with my sport, studies, and career goals. It was challenging trying to manage everything at once, but it taught me the importance of focus, and doing a few things well before moving on to the next project. Last summer, I completed an internship at a boutique asset management firm, which helped me better understand what I enjoy and value in a workplace.

I have also taken on several roles at uni: I’m currently Treasurer for the American Football team; the Co-Head of Sponsors for the Advancing Black Careers Society; and a committee member of the Black Sport Collective. These sit alongside continuing to play as a starter for the American Football first team, which is currently ranked number two in the UK.

Now entering my second year of Economics, I am in a strong position career-wise. I also feel much more balanced, and freer to focus on my degree, sport, and creative work without the pressure of applications.

Looking ahead, I hope to continue pursuing my creativity while building a career I truly enjoy, whether that’s in Sales & Trading, Mergers and Acquisitions Investment Banking, or Consulting, and, eventually, help others to reach their goals too.

Looking back, I wish I had realised that the short-term sacrifices I didn’t want to make, like studying harder or giving up small distractions, were minor compared to what I could have achieved long-term. Achieving the grades I aimed for and getting into a higher-tier Russell Group university the first time around would have opened even more doors. I also wish I’d realised that you don’t necessarily need to study Finance or Economics to enter the industry – many paths can lead you there.

So, be proactive as early as possible, seek out mentorships, insight days, internships, and shadowing opportunities. Don’t wait for things to happen; take initiative, message people, and look for chances to learn. Stay curious and confident and always be kind and helpful to those around you, you never know how those connections will shape your journey.

Finally, if you can, aim for a target or semi-target university, as reputation can open doors. But remember, if things don’t go to plan, it’s not the end unless you decide it is. There’s always another route to success.

Levitis Lorenzo Burke-Astorino
Reigate College: 2020-2022
Higher Education: Foundation Year in Engineering and Physical Sciences then BSc Economics, University of Nottingham