Case Study
Nicole Patterson: Celebrating Life’s Milestones while Pursuing a Counselling Career
After graduating in November 2024 with a Foundation Degree in Integrative Counselling Practice, Nicole Patterson looks back on her time at Belfast Met fondly.
For the graduate, Belfast Met was a place to bring Nicole’s career dreams to life. However, beyond her studies, the College became the backdrop for some of life’s milestones that included celebrating her wedding and the birth of her son.
Read more about Nicole’s journey.
What was your experience of your course?
“My experience of the course was incredibly positive and rewarding. The course content was comprehensive, providing both theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for becoming a counsellor.
“The tutors were knowledgeable and supportive, creating a learning environment that encouraged growth and self-reflection. It also gave me the opportunity to apply what I was learning in real-world settings, which was invaluable in developing my counselling practice.”
How was your experience studying at Belfast Met?
“Belfast Met was a fantastic place to study. The campus was welcoming, and I felt part of a supportive community from the outset.
“The staff were always approachable, and I appreciated how invested they were in student success. The resources available, including access to counselling placements and career advice, were great and helped me feel well-prepared for life after graduation.
“During my time at Belfast Met, I celebrated two major milestones: I married my best friend in May 2023, and I gave birth to my son in April 2024. These events were both incredibly exciting and brought their own challenges, especially balancing my studies with these personal milestones.”
How did Belfast Met support you with these milestones?
“Belfast Met was very understanding and supportive throughout these milestones. The flexibility of the course structure helped me manage my academic responsibilities alongside personal events.
“Additionally, the staff were very empathetic when I needed to take time for my personal life, and they always provided the support I needed to stay on track with my studies. The community at Belfast Met made it easier to focus on my goals, knowing I had a network of support.”
What advice would you give to students thinking of applying to Belfast Met?
“My advice would be to go for it! Belfast Met offers a range of courses that are both practical and theoretical, helping you build the skills needed for your chosen career.
“The lecturers are passionate and genuinely care about your success, and the student support services are excellent. It’s a great environment for both academic and personal growth, and the flexibility of courses allows you to balance life’s milestones while pursuing your dreams.
“Finally, after studying for so many years, from leaving school in 2015 until now, I’m absolutely thrilled to be on the verge of starting my career as a practising counsellor! It’s been a long journey of learning and self-discovery, and I’m so proud to be stepping into this career that I’ve worked towards for so long.
“I feel incredibly grateful to finally be in a position where I can make a difference in people’s lives, and I know that the education and experiences I’ve had at Belfast Met have played a huge role in getting me here.”
Find our further information about our courses: Integrative Counselling Practice (Day) and Integrative Counselling Practice (Evening).