Skip Navigation

Caeden Thornton

Business & Management

Male student opportunity fund student Caeden Thornton

Without the funding, I would have really struggled to be able to afford the cost of the application process. I may not have accepted the job and would have lost out on such an incredible opportunity which the fund has enabled me to pursue.

Second-year Business and Management student Caeden had the opportunity to work at Disney USA. He applied for support to cover interview expenses through the Student Opportunity Fund to help make it happen.

What inspired you to apply for Student Opportunity Fund?

While in my second year, the opportunity to work at Disney USA come up and I really wanted to apply. There were several costs involved in working for Disney in America, such as travelling to complete my interview for the job, which was in London, as well as getting a VISA and a DBS check. As a student, I struggled to afford all aspects of the application, as I had to spend my student loan on living. I heard about the Student Opportunity Fund in a lecture, and thought it would be worth trying to apply for it. I hoped that the Student Opportunity Fund would support me with some of the interview expenses, but it actually helped me to cover all costs.

What was the application process like?

The application process was super easy. To apply for the Student Opportunity Fund, I had to fill out a form, show proof of my travel and appointments and answer a few questions about why I was applying. After this, I had to complete a short risk assessment, and get it all signed off by my personal tutor to confirm that the opportunity was not a mandatory part of my course.

The process was really easy to follow so I didn’t require any additional help during the process, but there is a lot of support available if you need it or have any questions along the way.

How did you find the experience itself and did it help you to achieve your goals?

I initially applied for the fund to cover the costs of the interview, but after being successful at the interview stage I then had to return to London to apply for my VISA and DBS check. The Student Opportunity Fund allowed me to cover these additional costs as well including a flight from Manchester to London and overnight accommodation. Without the funding, I would have really struggled to be able to afford the cost of the application process. I may not have accepted the job and would have lost out on such an incredible opportunity which the fund has enabled me to pursue.

The opportunity at Disney links to my degree in a significant way, as I will gain a vast range of skills by working for a huge company, such as: working in a team, experience working in another country and delivering fantastic customer service. It will be an exciting opportunity for me to undertake. I will be taking on a wide range of responsibilities, including cooking, and serving food and drinks to visitors of the park.

What are you hoping to do next? Do you have any advice for those considering applying to the Student Opportunity Fund?

I would definitely recommend the Student Opportunity Fund to anyone studying at Edge Hill. I have already recommended it to some of my friends who are looking to pursue similar activities over the Summer. If you fit the criteria, or you think the fund could support you, just drop the team an email and ask because the process is easy and the benefits are massive.