Spotlight on Talent : Aminul Hoque

Aminul Hoque’s business course introduced him to pathways and careers that helped him identify the route that suited him best. This turned out to be an economics and politics degree at De Montfort University.

“Stockbroker is my ideal career, although my degree can also take me into auditing or financial management,” explained Aminul. “These roles appeal to me because they constantly offer different challenges and encourage you to come up with new ideas and solutions.”

Although he originally came to Walsall College with the aim of becoming an accountant, a different course module and some careers advice took him in another direction.

“I was originally interested in becoming an accountant but when we started studying an economics module on my course, I got really into it,” said Aminul.

“Boris, my mentor through the One Million Mentors programme told me about some of the roles that an economics degree could lead to. I did some research and spoke to the college’s careers advisors.

“Choosing to study an economics and politics degree gave me more of a focus for my future. I was more motivated than ever before.”

Working part-time in retail has also been another source of inspiration for Aminul.

“I’ve had a part-time job with a sports retailer for the last two years where I have put some of the finance paperwork through,” Aminul said. “I have been told that it is possible for me to join their financial department and work my up to senior level, especially as they are a growing business. This is another option for me.”

Aminul says he is grateful to the college for providing an environment that he says he was comfortable in from the moment he joined it.

“I wouldn’t have built up the confidence to go to university if it hadn’t been for college,” he said. “I could ask lecturers as many questions as I liked and they were fine with this. And if they asked me a question and my answer was wrong, they wouldn’t judge me. Neither would anyone else in the class.

“I felt more engaged, so I achieved my full potential.”