“My A Levels didn’t go to plan – but Clearing was the springboard for my career”

Graduate Bethany Long looks back on her Clearing experience, reflecting on the subsequent opportunities that unfolded
Bethany Long BA (Hons) Architecture working at a desk

A Level results day is fast approaching, and it’s a nerve-wracking time for anyone waiting to hear the outcome.
For some, there’s elation. For others, like Bethany Long, from Wellington in Shropshire, there’s disappointment – and the architecture hopeful remembers the disappointment of ‘not doing very well’.
But after signing up to the University of Plymouth’s Clearing hotline, she received a call to support her through a potential application to study in Britain’s Ocean City – and she describes the subsequent three years of study and post-graduation support as the springboard she needed to excel in her career.
Now working as an Architectural Assistant for Associated Architects in Birmingham, she is the Vice-President of the Birmingham Architectural Association (BAA) and leads their Women in Architecture (WIA) Focus Group to encourage more women into positions of leadership, and is reassuring prospective students that they still have the control and support to excel if they go through Clearing.
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I was predicted A, B, B and had my whole experience planned – but I had an inkling something wasn’t quite right, and sure enough I didn’t get my first choice University.

Not getting my grades at the time felt like the end of the world, but looking back it was probably one of the best things that's ever happened to me.
I had such a great time during my studies at Plymouth – it really was the best three years; I learnt so much during my time there and I left with such a close group of friends from it. It was such an evolutionary period for me that I don’t think I would have had anywhere else.
Bethany Long, who graduated from BA (Hons) Architecture in 2021 
Since graduating, starting employment and leading the BAA WIA focus group, Bethany has led a number of key initiatives, and is passionate about helping more women into senior positions in architecture.
Bethany Long laughing with her team
Bethany Long speaking into a microphone
Bethany Long giving presentation to audience

There's a gender disparity in architecture and that's an issue that I've always known I wanted to be involved in changing.

When I was studying at Plymouth, I know for a fact that there were more women than men studying on the course. We see a group of really strong women doing their degree and then when you come into practice you lose so many of those talented women that you don’t even see a 50% gender split anymore. 
Which raises the questions of where are they going and why are they not being supported in employment? Part of my role as lead for the Women in Architecture Focus Group is to put a spotlight on the work of our female architects. 

We do this by organising an exhibition each year at Birmingham Symphony Hall for International Women's Day, which features practices from across the Midlands. I also run monthly networking sessions called ‘Mochas and Mentoring’ which offers mentoring over breakfast. It’s about allowing opportunities for connection, sharing ideas and pushing forward changes for women in the industry.

As A level results day creeps closer I remember so vividly the anxiety around the unknown. But for anyone waiting for results, there are always options and you are going to be ok – I had a goal and was still able to secure it. 

A Level results day is a stressful time but you’ve done everything you can do, and having Clearing there as an option is a great way for prospective students to secure the future they deserve.

Our architecture course offers an inspiring and creative environment, which we’re delighted to have given Bethany the springboard she needed to excel in her future career.  
We’re so proud of what Bethany has achieved, and ultimately it all came from a phone call. If your results don’t go to plan, don’t panic – there are some amazing opportunities still waiting for you.

Nikolina BobicDr Nikolina Bobic
Lecturer in Architecture and Admissions Tutor at the University of Plymouth:

 
Bethany Long at her graduation ceremony