Dad uploads to a new career

Published on 19 July 2023

After 20 years of working in IT, Andrew Penman decided it was time for a complete change and chose to study a law degree as the next step in his career.

It’s a change that is paying off for the father of three, as he steps on stage to collect his First-Class Honours Law degree from the University of Sunderland this week, at the Stadium of Light, during the Summer Graduation Ceremonies.

And there is even more good news for Andrew, 45, who has also been named this year’s ‘Mortons Outstanding Achievement in Law 2023’ student, for his an exemplary work, and engaging in every opportunity available, as well as achieving impressive academic results over the years.

He says: “I was surprised to hear I had been awarded the prize. It's an honour. Sunderland is a fantastic city and the staff at Sunderland law school are very supportive.”

Angela Ashcroft, Solicitor Director at Mortons Law, said: “We have been proud to support the University of Sunderland’s Law Department over a number of years. We are always very impressed with the students and Andrew’s achievements and initiative make him a great recipient of our award. We look forward to welcoming Andrew on his internship with us over the Summer.  We wish him every success in his future career and feel sure that he will excel in all that he undertakes. 

“It is also very gratifying to see some of the past winners working locally as solicitors in north-east firms.”

Andrew, from Houghton-le-Spring, had worked in the IT industry since about 2003, in various technical roles and prior to that he worked within the Insurance industry, in both technical IT roles, as well as an Insurance Claims Negotiator, before joining the University in 2019.

He says: “I have enjoyed my time at the University. The highlight was challenging myself outside of my normal comfort zone. I'm also father of three young children, finding to time to study around caring needs can be challenging.”

Andrew is now weighing up his options on which direction his career will take him next but offers this advice to students about to embark on their own university journey. “Start as you mean to go on.”

Adding: “Don't think that just because year one doesn't count towards your final grade that you can take it easy. Year two and year three will be a lot easier if you give your all from the start. Listen to the feedback you receive and take it on board.”