Insight:Matthew Clancy - Key Account Manager @ Times Higher Education

Insight: Matthew Clancy – Key Account Manager @ Times Higher Education

What was your experience of applying for university?
It was all a bit surprising (not to say a few years back); there you are fresh from the agonies of sitting your GCSE's/ O-levels (age dependent) feeling all warm at the prospect of having at least a year off without worrying too much about your future. But suddenly like a lightening bolt a thrusting (they always thrust) careers advisor walks into the common room calling all to assemble during a lunch time so that they might introduce you to UCAS. UCAS was a funny acronym at the time; four letters that everyone had heard of but didn't really know who/what/why they were and what we were supposed to be doing with them. Fortunately I attended a very highly rated state school and was soon whipped into shape and I found the process very straightforward. Once I had decided upon my desired area of study (Business) it was a case of hitting the websites, looking at the league tables sending off for a prospectus etc to see where best suited. I found open days invaluable; not only a chance to talk to students already on the course and the Lecturers but just as important was to walk around the town/ city. I hate to use the phrase 'vibe', but for me it was very important and open days really help to give a glimmer of the overall experience the next 3-4 years would bring. It's no wonder the most hotly contested award at our Times Higher Awards each year is that for 'Most improved student experience' ; Universities have identified that academic study is just one (all be it the most important) facet that prospective students look for.

How helpful did you find UCAS when applying for university?
UCAS as a central application service seemed to work very well from my memory as an applicant; I can't recall much information coming from them but as a process it worked great.

What attracted you to the university that you went to?
I played A LOT of hockey in my youth (even making it; all be it briefly) to England Academy level. As such I wanted to attend a University where I could mix my studies with my passion, throw in a campus environment and fantastic business school and I ended up at Loughborough. It was only on my arrival that I discovered how mediocre I was at hockey (that's Loughborough for you) but non the less I had the best 4 years of my life. Loughborough also provided outstanding first year on campus accommodation which even now reminds me off Butlins with books but the pastoral care was top notch both academically from first year tutors and socially with the Hall Wardens. The sports facilities are also world class and as the campus was/ is the biggest in Europe their was an overriding sense of community.

What did you study at university?
Computer Science and e-business followed by a Masters in Marketing and Management

Do you think universities provide enough information to prospective students?
At the time I applied (circa 1995/6) we had websites; print prospect and open days. If you didn't know what you wanted to study the volume of information was daunting. The pressure is on Universities to supply more and more information; recent funding changes have meant post-degree information is just as important; which employers does the faculty have links to? What is the average starting salary ? etc.

Where should students start when looking to apply for university?
Personal relationships should never be overlooked; speak to your A/ AS level teachers and careers advisers then follow up with some on-line resources (university websites, league tables etc) and university guides.

Where would you recommend ?
A potential undergraduate could never do too much research; it's one of the biggest decisions they will make in their life so look at anything and everything. League tables are always best taken with a pinch of salt but can provide a good source of data. What one person wants out of University is different to another.

What are the most common application mistakes?
To think that academic achievement on its own will be enough to secure a first choice place. The top universities look not only for intellectual potential but for 'well rounded' individuals. This doesn't necessarily have to be sporting credentials but extra curricular interests can set you apart when competition for oversubscribed courses heats up. Be smart as well; if you are looking to study for example medicine; consider a part time job at a pharmacists or volunteering at a health centre - show a passion for that subject you wish to study. I reliase passion can be hard to come by with all undergraduate degree subjects but courses such as medicine, veterinary science, law etc demand it.

Realism should also come into play; I wasn't anamazingly gifted scholar so I didn't apply for Oxbridge. Also play the game; if you have you heart set on one University apply for a mixture of courses within the same faculty. After first year modular choices come in and you can adapt your studies as you see fit. One thing to never underestimate is the internal politics of institutions; if (and they will remain nameless) some Universities aren't first choice they will not make an offer at all regardless of the strength of application.

If you don’t get the place you were after – what would you recommend taking as the next step?
First thing is don't panic. Contact the department who made you the offer and they might except still except you. 'Clearing' can be a stressful process but I have had friends narrowly miss out on places, go through the clearing process and one is now a mathematics Lecturer at a University in Australia.

How important do you think getting a university degree is?
It really depends; I know the previous government had a target of 50% of 18 year olds attending an institution of Higher Education but degree study is not suited to everyone and hence can lead to high drop out rates. I would say look at your career path; if you want to be a Barrister then clearly you need a degree, but don't discount apprenticeships and vocational learning.

If Spurs could buy any one player from past and slot into the present team who would that be and why ?
Ronaldo (Brazil) before he went a bit rubbish. He could destroy any defence at whim.

Favourite non media related website and why?
BBC; everyone in media pretty much hates it but we are only jealous. Great website, fantastic content and you can watch the Apprentice if you missed it. Truly world class.

If wasn’t an advertising guru I would be..... probably be still trying to qualify as a pilot (long story)