In 2002 I contacted BSB for a loan to go on the Cisco Networking Academy Program which on completing the final examination gave me an industry recognised qualification in internet technologies called Cisco Certified Network Professional. I studied over the course of four terms at ‘Richmond – The American University in London.’ Shortly after I secured a role with TotalFinaElf as a network engineer and was able to pay back the loan very quickly. The reason the BSB loan is different is that there is no pressure to repay the loan to a tight deadline and also you’re able to negotiate the level of monthly payments you can afford.

Last year after separating from my ex-wife I found myself in a difficult position and needed to approach the BSB again for a small short term loan. Once the divorce was finalised I was able to start repayments and paid off the loan. The other great benefit of this loan was that even after receiving the funds from the BSB I didn’t have to start making the payments until three months later.