'Joining LJMU through Clearing was one of the best decisions I've ever made'

Alex Lindsay

BSc Business Management graduate

BSc Business Management graduate Alex Lindsay, started her LJMU journey through Clearing and four years later says it was one of the best decisions she's ever made.

Alex graduated in July 2026 at a ceremony in Liverpool Anglican Cathedral. She'd originally planned to go to a different university so when she didn't get her required grades, she felt lost. Four years later however, she says living and studying in Liverpool has been the perfect university experience.

You've recently completed your degree at LJMU, why did you choose the university?

I actually came to LJMU through Clearing.

I had originally planned to go to a different university, so when I didn’t get in, I felt lost. It felt like all the time and effort I had put into those long days of A Level revision had been wasted.

I had never considered Clearing and didn’t really know much about the Clearing process because I never thought I would need to use it. However, deciding to join LJMU through Clearing ended up being one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Have you had any moments during your LJMU journey when you felt at a crossroad?

During my second year at LJMU, I had to decide whether to complete a placement year, study abroad or continue straight into my final year.

It felt like a huge decision at the time. I knew a placement would probably be the strongest option professionally, but studying abroad was something I had always wanted to do.

I chose to study abroad, and it became the best year of my life so far. I experienced a different culture, overcame challenges and language barriers, and developed a different set of transferable skills that I don’t think I would have gained through a placement.

In 2024, after my second year, I took part in a two-week study school in Karlsruhe, Germany, where I met students from America, Canada, Ukraine, and Germany.

That experience sparked my interest in International Business and inspired me to complete two further international opportunities.

What has been your career highlight so far?

During my time at LJMU, I completed three internships including with BAE Systems, LJMU's Student Recruitment and Marketing team and Goodship*. I also took part in three international opportunities in Madrid, Barcelona, and Karlsruhe, Germany, where I developed invaluable skills and gained new perspectives.

My highlight was the Marketing Communications role at Goodship* AI and Tech Consultancy, where I supported the AI Activator programme.

My role was to create a documentary showcasing the student experience throughout the five-day intensive programme. This was one of the most rewarding projects I’ve worked on because I saw students go from feeling hesitant or reluctant to admit they used AI, to confidently applying AI tools to create websites for local charities and start-ups in less than five minutes.

AI skills are becoming increasingly important, yet many people feel uncertain about using the technology or assume it is beyond their capabilities. Seeing students realise how accessible, practical, and efficient AI can be, and watching their confidence grow throughout the programme, made the experience incredibly rewarding.

What’s next for you?

I’m hoping to eventually secure a graduate role with a mission-driven company. In the meantime, I plan to travel beyond Europe (something I’ve always wanted to do but have never managed to).

Although leaving university feels daunting, I’m excited to start my next chapter and use all the skills and experiences I’ve gained along the way.

Looking back at your four years at LJMU, do you have a moment or point in your life that you felt you were in the right place at the right time?

Despite not feeling this way at the time, looking back, getting into LJMU through Clearing was definitely a ‘right place, right time’ moment for me.

Not only have I loved studying at LJMU and the opportunities I’ve been given, but I’ve also loved the personal development that has come from studying in Liverpool.

The city is friendly and genuine, packed with culture and live music, something that has shaped me since I moved here at 18.

As I graduate from university, I feel like I’m in the right place at the right time, and it feels like the perfect ending to my university journey.

About Clearing at LJMU

Students apply to study at LJMU through Clearing for a variety of reasons.

Whether you achieve different results than you expected, have decided to go to university after the UCAS deadline, or have changed your mind on where or what you'd like to study, Clearing could be for you.

Find out more about LJMU Clearing and how to apply.

Read more students' stories about applying through Clearing.