Robbyn shared: “After considering institutions around the UK, I decided I wanted to live at home during my studies to save money with the hope of studying abroad in my second year. The Open Day answered all my questions regarding academic requirements and course information, and it also provided me with an insight into study abroad which I had never considered before.”
She added: “I had many concerns about transitioning from a practical-based apprenticeship to a written assessment-heavy degree. I had many conversations with the lecturers before enrolling regarding this and found that actually there were still a high number of assessments being practical-based. I was also made aware of the support available for written assessments, including help from my personal tutor and library services.”
The course was brand new for the 2017 intake, but it covered all her areas of interest within physical education and sports coaching while also providing placement experiences.
Robbyn said: “Prior to my degree, sport was a big part of my life, so I wanted a university that provided me with many options of physical activity from within my degree, as well as social clubs. Not only that, I had spoken with the Study Abroad team on the Open Day and I was very hopeful that I would be able to do my second year abroad.
“The career prospects from the course covered a wide range of sporting and educational roles, and provided me with many opportunities within the industry to find what my areas of interest were.
“It is hard to identify a favourite part of the course as my experience at Sunderland was so positive. I would narrow it down to two, those being the support from my lecturers and my study abroad year. Without both of those, I would not be in my current career path.”
A major highlight of her academic experience was the opportunity to study abroad in Georgia, USA.
Robbyn said: “Having a full year studying in Georgia, USA was a life-changing experience and one that I will forever be grateful for having. I now have international friends who I would associate with as family and found my confidence to travel independently. This wouldn’t have happened without Steven Anderson (course leader), Ivor Harkin and John O’Leary (Senior Lecturers). They went above and beyond to support me in preparing for this experience and during my time abroad – as well as throughout my studies.”
After graduating, Robbyn completed her Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in secondary education at Durham University and qualified as a secondary school Physical Education (PE) teacher. She worked in the field of secondary education for six months before making a significant career change to join the International Office at the University of Sunderland.
Now entering her third year as an International Development Officer, Robbyn has concentrated on recruiting students from Sub-Saharan Africa, the Americas, and Europe. She also has faculty responsibility for Health Science-related courses. Remarkably, she now recruits for the very course she studied, creating a full-circle moment in her career, considering her own journey to choosing the University of Sunderland.
Robbyn encourages prospective students to embrace every opportunity available to them.
“Take every opportunity that comes your way. The university has so many personal, professional and academic experiences that will benefit you during and after your studies. Not only can you gain a degree qualification, but there are so many experiences such as placements, research participation, studying abroad and social opportunities that will not only give you great experiences whilst at the university, but also will support you in your career development,” she highlighted.
With a future aimed at continuing in international recruitment, Robbyn is a testament to the enriching experience the University of Sunderland offers to its students, proving that with determination and support, one can achieve their dreams.