Most university students spend their final term frantically polishing CVs and hoping for call-backs. Bolton’s Jessica Ainscough took a remarkably different route. At just 21-years-old, the first-in-family graduate turned a real-world student project into a full-time corporate career - securing a permanent role as a Marketing Executive for Stuart Energy before she had even picked up her degree. Jessica’s path to academic and professional success was anything but traditional.
From Fastrack to Full-Time
Her higher education journey kicked off in 2023 through Edge Hill University’s Fastrack programme - an intensive, seven-week transition course designed to support students entering university through alternative routes or non-standard qualifications. For a first-generation student stepping into unfamiliar waters, the course proved to be the ultimate springboard.
That initial leap quickly paid off in the real world. While completing her BSc (Hons) in Marketing, Jessica connected with Stuart Energy through an innovative Edge Hill Business School client project. Her practical talent and drive made such an immediate impression that the company snapped her up full-time, standing as proof that non-traditional routes can lead straight to top-tier success.
Support and Opportunities
Reflecting on her start, Jessica said: “Fastrack was one of the best things that I have ever done. I met so many friends and felt so supported through the team that I worked with during those weeks. I am still close friends with the people I spent my time with on Fastrack.”
Once on her degree, Jessica threw herself into every opportunity available. She became heavily involved with the Business School’s ‘E-MERGE’ initiative, developing consultancy reports for local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Her dedication to the projects not only earned her a University Scholarship in 2025 but also resulted in multiple job offers from local businesses, including her new employer, Stuart Energy.
Global Experience and Future Plans
Alongside her studies and freelancing work, Jessica’s global outlook was expanded in 2024 when she secured a fully funded summer abroad programme at Christ University in Bangalore, India: “It really widened my perspective of the world… it was humbling and something I think that most people need to experience for their own growth. I am extremely grateful I had the opportunity.”
Speaking about her transition from student to professional, Jessica added: “I think that Edge Hill has prepared me to do whatever I want to do. The Business School encourages you to follow what makes you happy and they are all so supportive. I have been offered a full-time role as a Marketing Executive with Stuart Energy, one of the SMEs from the E-MERGE project. We also have plans to continue working with Edge Hill. I really want to be able to mentor other students and be a role model for younger cohorts. My motto is to say yes to everything, because you can achieve whatever you set your mind to.”
Edge Hill University continues to champion student employability through practical experience, ensuring graduates like Jessica step straight out of the lecture hall and into thriving careers. Find out more about studying at Edge Hill University or come along to the next Open Day on Saturday, August 15, 2026, Saturday, October 17 or Saturday, November 21.
