A journey of unexpected opportunities: Sarah’s LSBU story
After losing her job during Covid, Sarah Tucker decided it was time to return to education and pursue a long-held ambition to gain a degree. Her journey at LSBU took her further than she expected, from studying Business Management with Finance and spending a semester in Boston to completing an MSc in Applied Artificial Intelligence. Today, Sarah is undertaking a PhD in Computer Science, combining her interests in finance, data and AI.
What made you decide it was the right time to go to university?
When I started at LSBU, I was a single mum on Universal Credit and had lost my full-time job as a Credit Risk and Data Analyst due to Covid. I had always planned to complete a degree, but life, work and family commitments meant university was something I kept putting off until the time felt right. After losing my job, it felt like the right time to make that change.
What did you hope to achieve from your degree?
My goal was to build on my experience in data and analytics and gain the knowledge and qualifications I needed to become a Business Analyst. I wanted to better understand how organisations use data to make decisions and create change, and I felt that studying Business Management with Finance would give me that edge.
Returning to education as a mature student and single parent brought its own challenges. Balancing academic work with family responsibilities required organisation, resilience and a willingness to keep going when things felt difficult. At times I questioned whether I could manage everything, but I remained positive and determined to make it work.
What support did you find at LSBU?
One of the most valuable forms of support I received at LSBU was the support available for my dyslexia. Adjustments such as extra time in exams and coursework helped ensure I could demonstrate my knowledge and abilities without being limited by how I process information.
I also had some very supportive academics who were approachable and gave me a real sense of belonging. I got involved with the Students' Union too, participating in various societies, running a society and working as part of the Customer Service Team to support my fellow students.
What opportunities did you take during your time at LSBU?
One opportunity that had a huge impact on me was studying abroad in Boston during the second semester of my second year. As a mature student and single mum, it wasn't something I had ever imagined I would do when I first enrolled. It pushed me outside my comfort zone and gave me the opportunity to experience a different culture and educational environment. Being in a different environment challenged me to become more independent and adaptable, while also giving me the confidence to take on opportunities that previously might have felt out of reach.
How did your time in Boston influence what you wanted to do next?
My semester in Boston became one of the defining experiences of my university journey. It broadened my perspective and exposed me to new ideas around technology, innovation and business. The experience reinforced my interest in technology and data and made me realise how important digital skills would be in the future workplace. It also encouraged me to think beyond my undergraduate degree and consider further study.
How did your experience at LSBU change your confidence?
Completing my degree, studying abroad and managing competing responsibilities showed me that I was capable of much more than I had given myself credit for. I became more confident in my abilities, more willing to take risks and more open to opportunities that challenged me.
That confidence encouraged me to continue my academic journey with an MSc in Applied Artificial Intelligence, where I could develop my digital skills further. It also gave me the confidence to pivot slightly and explore how I could combine my background in finance with AI.
What are you doing now?
Today, I am undertaking a PhD in Computer Science. My research focuses on the stock market and explores how computer vision techniques can be applied to financial forecasting and analysis. My long-term ambition is to become a Quantitative Analyst, combining my interests in finance, data and artificial intelligence.
Alongside my research, I work as a Teaching Assistant, supporting students in their learning and development. I also supervise a small team during enrolment periods, which has given me valuable leadership and management experience.
Looking back, starting my degree at LSBU opened doors that I never expected and helped me build a future that is very different from the one I originally imagined.
What advice would you give someone thinking about university?
My advice would be not to wait for the perfect moment, because it may never come. Be comfortable with being uncomfortable and never let laziness distract you from your goals.
I started university as a single mum after losing my job during Covid, and there were plenty of times when the path ahead felt uncertain. Take advantage of the support available to you, put yourself forward for opportunities and don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone.
For me, studying abroad was something I never thought I would do, but it ended up shaping many of the decisions that followed. You don't have to have everything planned from the start. Be open to new experiences, work hard and trust yourself. Sometimes the opportunities that have the biggest impact are the ones you never expected.