Samima

Samima is a mum to two young boys and she believes the Essential Digital Skills course she took at New City College has opened up a whole new world for her.

Arriving in London with little English a few years ago, Samima, 27, is now a ‘tech whizz’ studying Data Analysis. She has passed her GCSE Maths (taking the exam just a week after giving birth!), has helped her self-employed dad with his tax and business accounts, and is work-ready for a promising career in the IT sector!

We spoke to her about the opportunities she discovered at New City College and the difference they have made to her life.

We know you were a little unsure about taking that step back into education as an adult, but now you have done it, what would be your advice to anyone else?

I would say take the plunge! I enrolled on an ESOL course first because I knew that speaking and understanding English would be key to getting a job. So, make sure you’ve got basic English then just go for it. Enrol on that course! You’ll get through it and you’ll love it.

How did you find out about New City College and the free courses that are available for adults?

I now live in Poplar, east London, but before that I spent much of my childhood in Bangladesh, where I was born, and in Italy. Then when I was 19, my family decided to move to the UK. I contacted New City College Tower Hamlets Campus about the ESOL course as I wanted to be able to communicate better, to really be part of the community. I loved learning and took advantage of the free courses that were on offer as I knew they would give me the skills I needed for life and for work.

How did you use these new language and other skills you gained from college?

In the meantime I had married and had two children, but I managed to get a job at Marks and Spencer and I really enjoyed it. I was promoted to Team Leader and was responsible for tasks that needed digital skills, like managing inventory and handling returns to manufacturers. I realised that having IT skills was so important in today’s world.

What made you go on to take the Essential Digital Skills course at NCC?

Unfortunately after Covid, I was made redundant from my job. I enjoyed spending time at home with my two young boys but I missed interacting with people and learning new things, so my husband suggested I go back to college, to do something for myself. I chose the Essential Digital Skills course because my dad, who is a self-employed taxi driver, needed help with his tax returns and business accounts. I realised I needed to brush up on my digital skills, because I really wanted to help him out. I passed the course which then led to quite a few other digital courses – and they were all free. So at no cost to myself, I was gaining so many IT skills.

What course are you doing now?

I’m now on the Level 3 Data Analysis course which is quite challenging but I’m loving it! It’s so rewarding when something just clicks and I can find a solution and the tutors at NCC are so helpful and supportive. They really want you to do well. I didn’t think I’d get this far, but once you start, you can’t stop. There’s always something new in IT, always something new to learn. College has been good for me socially too. I’ve got a bag full of friends now. People from all over the world – doctors, pharmacists… all of us learning together. It’s amazing.

What do your family think of you being a student?

My eldest son thinks I’m some kind of tech whizz! He was so pleased when I could help him with his Chromebook. I started volunteering at his school and completed the Level 2 Teaching Assistant qualification – also at New City College. I’ve heard him tell his friends, ‘My mum knows everything!’ It’s the sweetest thing.

Would you recommend the course to others?

Yes! Digital skills are so important today. You just can’t get by without them. Whether you’re in retail, education, or just managing day-to-day life – everything’s online. The NHS, banking, even paying bills. Digital is everywhere and you can’t survive without the skills. The fact that it is free for most people is amazing. I’m so grateful I found New City College and these courses. I now have the skills for a career where I can earn a good salary and help support my family.

What does the future look like for you?

I’m not completely sure. I’m really loving data analysis at the moment, and who knows where it will lead? This is just the beginning and I’m excited to keep learning and see where this journey takes me.

Samima’s determination and eagerness to embrace every opportunity has enabled her to develop and grow. She thought she was going to college to just brush up on her English speaking and listening skills but these digital courses have now given her a different life.

Apply today – and start your course in January!