T Level in Business Admin – Alexa

T Level 3 Business and Administration

Balancing business studies with a passion for fitness, Alexa Needham has completed a T Level 3 Business Administration alongside Personal Training qualifications. Gaining hands-on experience across healthcare and fitness placements, she has developed strong communication, organisation, and customer service skills while building confidence in professional environments.

Through roles at Bassetlaw and Doncaster Hospitals and Diversity Gym, Alexa has supported administrative tasks, reception duties, and fitness sessions in real workplace settings. Shaped by these experiences, she is now exploring future career paths in business, health, and fitness.

Why did you choose to study your course?

“I chose to study a T Level in Business and Administration because I wanted to develop strong organisational and professional skills that can be used across many industries. I am particularly interested in how businesses operate and how teams work together to deliver services to customers.

Alongside this, I am also studying a Level 3 Personal Training course because I have a strong passion for health, fitness, and helping people improve their wellbeing. Combining both courses allows me to develop both business knowledge and practical fitness experience.”

Which skills have you developed during your course?

“During my course and placements, I have developed strong communication, teamwork, organisation, and problem-solving skills. For example, during my placement at Bassetlaw Hospital, I worked within the Quit Team carrying out administrative tasks such as managing referrals using Excel, answering emails, answering phone calls, and organising confidential documents. This required attention to detail and professionalism when handling sensitive information.

I also developed strong customer service skills while working on reception at both Bassetlaw and Doncaster Hospitals, where I helped guide visitors, answered calls, and assisted with booking appointments. At Diversity Gym, I further developed my teamwork and communication skills by supporting personal trainers during consultations, helping to set up classes, demonstrating exercises, and assisting gym members who needed help using equipment or improving their form.”

How has the College supported you so far?

“My college has supported me by providing the opportunity to gain valuable real-world experience through my long-term industry placements. These placements have allowed me to apply the knowledge I learned in college within real professional environments, such as healthcare and the fitness industry.

Tutors have also supported my development by helping me improve my communication, teamwork, and presentation skills through group projects and coursework. This support has helped me grow in confidence and prepare for future employment.”

What part of the course have you enjoyed the most?

“The part of the course I have enjoyed the most is the college community and my placements because they allow me to experience real working environments and develop practical skills. At Diversity Gym, I particularly enjoyed assisting with classes and supporting personal trainers, including demonstrating exercises and helping ensure participants were using equipment safely.

One example was when I helped lead part of a children’s fitness session where they rotated between cardio machines and bodyweight exercises. My role was to demonstrate how to use the equipment correctly and ensure the children were exercising safely. This experience helped me build confidence in leadership and communication.”

Can you share any challenges you have overcome?

“One challenge I have overcome is building confidence when communicating with new people in professional environments. At the beginning of my placements, it was challenging speaking to unfamiliar people, especially when answering phones or helping customers directly. However, through consistent experience working on reception at hospitals and supporting gym members at Diversity Gym, I gradually became much more confident in speaking to people, explaining information clearly, and assisting customers with their needs.

For example, I helped a new gym member who was unsure how to use multiple leg machines. I patiently demonstrated the correct form, explained the movements clearly, and repeated the instructions until she felt confident and comfortable using the equipment. This experience helped me become more confident, patient, and professional when supporting others.”

Do you have any advice for future students?

“My advice for future students is to take full advantage of industry placements because they are one of the best ways to gain real experience and build confidence in the workplace. These opportunities allow you to learn directly from professionals and develop skills that employers value.

It is also important to stay organised, communicate well with your team, always be willing to learn, and take opportunities given through your college course. Even small tasks such as helping customers, organising documents, or assisting colleagues can teach valuable professional skills that will help you in your future career and help you decide what you would like to do in the future.”

Where do you see yourself in five years?

“In five years, I see myself working in a professional role where I can continue developing my skills and gaining valuable experience. I am interested in a variety of areas, including business, administration, health and fitness, and professional services, so I am open to exploring different opportunities and learning from different industries.

My goal is to build a strong foundation of experience, continue developing my communication, leadership, and organisational skills, and take on increasing responsibility within the workplace. I am motivated to work hard, keep learning, and contribute positively to whichever organisation I work for. Ultimately, I want to build a successful career where I can make a meaningful impact, continue growing professionally, and take advantage of opportunities that allow me to develop both personally and professionally.”

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