Meet our students
Lauren Geddes
Lauren Geddes (22) from Inverness decided against moving away to be an art student and instead stayed in her home city to study an HNC Events course. That led to her graduating with a BA (Hons) Business and Management, and she’s really excited about her future.
Lauren is now working in a varied year-long role at Impact Hub Inverness, which offers a co-working space to lone workers, and is involved in marketing, finance and business advice.
Lauren said: “I feel incredibly lucky to have stepped into such a varied and flexible role straight from university, with such an amazing team.
“I enjoyed the independence, flexibility and organisation of the course at UHI Inverness. The lecturers were great, especially David Jack and Sinead Brydon who I always felt I could ask for help. and all of the subjects were really useful. The learning resource centre came in handy on days I didn’t want to be stuck studying or doing my lectures at home - especially the study nooks during dissertation months!
“Everything I have learned throughout the course has already been so useful. I will definitely use everything in the future, and it has made me a lot more confident taking my first steps in the business world.”
Beata Dorota Nowakowski, HNC Business
Beata Dorota Nowakowski (34) moved from Spain to Inverness just before the first lockdown and graduated with HNC Business in September 2022. She has progressed to the second year BA (Hons) Business and Management.
Beata said: “My job in Spain, before becoming a mother and moving to Inverness, was as an account manager in a finance company managing business loans. From there, my curiosity for the whole world of business and finance was born and the HNC in Business offered by UHI Inverness seemed to me to offer a very complete introduction to the business world to help me broaden my knowledge and to help me in my career.
“I really liked the teaching style because I have learned much more by understanding through all the case studies and assignments than by memorizing as I had to do in my university years in Spain. The lecturers are always available to give you a hand and that is very valuable both on a personal and academic level.
“I was fortunate enough to do a short work placement in the business department of Inverness Airport. A unique experience where I could see first-hand the functioning of such a dynamic department.”
Beata said the HNC has reaffirmed her career path for her.
“This is a course that offers many possibilities, but you have to work hard,” she said.
“The lecturers are there to guide and support you, but it requires additional personal work, so you have to be 100% committed to the course.
“I love the variety of courses that UHI Inverness offers and therefore the variety of people. The study spaces and the library are very good. The cafeteria has amazing views, and the location is great. The outdoor space is very relaxing to be able to clear your mind between classes.”
Elena Campbell, BA (Hons) Business and Management
Elena Campbell (35), from Tornagrain, chose to study her BA Business and Management degree at UHI Inverness because the course offered exactly what she was looking for on her doorstep.
Elena studied Economics in Poland and decided to continue her education in Scotland.
“It is a fantastic course. I met many great people, and every class met my expectations,” she said.
“The tutors and lecturers supported me greatly. English is my second language. If there was something I had a problem with, my lecturers helped me understand the subject by explaining and efficiently providing examples, and I am grateful for that.”
A finance officer, Elena’s ambition is to be an office manager.
“If you want to change your life for the better and have the job of your dreams, having a degree opens more doors and opportunities,” she said.
“I admire the lecturers for their devotion and patience. They are an inspiration to others.”
Estefania Clavel, HNC Business
Estefania Clavel (38), who is originally from Argentina, emigrated to the UK to improve her English and studied ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) at level 5 after she moved to Inverness.
Estefania moved on to study HNC Business to upgrade the business skills she learned through the marketing degree she completed in her home country.
Estefania said: “I think HNC Business was the right course because it has given me an overview of the UK business world. Considering that I come from another country and that I have completed my degree in marketing several years ago, it was a good and fruitful experience that has given me the basis to be able to start my professional career in the UK.
“I felt fully mentored from the beginning of the course, my tutor and lecturers have always been very helpful and supportive. They have closely followed my concerns and my progress throughout the course.
“I enjoyed my work placement. I developed a strategic marketing plan for a local company, supervised by my lecturer Sinead Brydon, who gave me great support and recognition. This experience was empowering because it helped me to reinforce my passion for marketing and business.”
Estefania is taking a gap year to visit her family before starting her career in business in 2023.
“I strongly recommend to anyone who wants to start a career and to progress in the business area to take this course as it will give them the tools to develop professionally,” she said.
“What I liked most about studying at UHI Inverness was the feeling of being part of a community. I felt very supported by my lecturers and by the institution in general. My favourite thing about living in the Highlands is the people.
“Developing a sense of belonging to the place where you live, being a foreigner, is key. Apart from living in an amazing place, with a great quality of life, this is an area which is expanding, offering more opportunities to grow professionally. Scotland has opened the doors of knowledge and given me the precious opportunity to grow academically.”
Maria Gonzalez Garcia, HNC Business
For Maria Gonzalez Garcia (20), UHI Inverness was her first choice for improving her English and studying business.
Originally from Spain and now living in Inverness, Maria said: “I chose Inverness because my brother has been living here for 10 years. I initially studied an English for Speakers of Other Languages course and then HNC Business. And now I'm in the second year of a degree in Business and Management.”
Maria, who enjoyed her work placement at Highland Hospice, said the style of teaching and the support she has received at UHI Inverness are perfect for learning and development skills.
She said: “After my degree I would like to get a job in finance or marketing. I highly recommend the course because it gives you the opportunity to put the theory into practice.”
Claudia Nasseri, MSc Human Resource Management
Claudia Nasseri (28) from Livingston studied the MSc Human Resource Management online from home while caring for her baby, working as a lecturer and running two businesses.
"Upon considering a management career in the education sector, I decided the MSc in HRM would be the perfect place to start. The main reason for choosing UHI Inverness was the flexibility and ability to complete my Masters degree online. The CIPD accreditation offered alongside the course was another attraction. The flexibility and course content really suited me. With a young baby at the time, this was the best option for me.”
Claudia particularly enjoyed studying the law module and developing her own professional knowledge through reading academic journals. She also liked the supportive and relaxed teaching style. Claudia continues to work as a lecturer, but believes the course has opened up future possibilities in the education sector and the potential for later PhD study.
Debbie Paddington, MSc Human Resource Management
Debbie Paddington (50) from Kent is studying a MSc in Human Resources Management with UHI Inverness online and part-time while working as an HR professional in England.
“The online learning suits me very well and the tutors have been an excellent source of support. I chose UHI Inverness because it provided the course I wanted totally online. Studying in person would have meant travelling a long distance to a college. I had previously studied online courses so knew it was a good way of learning for me.”
She currently works as an HR Business Partner for the Kent Autistic Trust and believes the course helps her add value to her current role and will also enhance the opportunities available to her if she wishes to move on in the future.
“I wanted to study with UHI Inverness because the modules in the course particularly appeal to me and will enable me to develop the critical analysing and assessing skills I needed to improve business performance and influence change. I particularly enjoy the discussions I have with fellow students; learning how their organisations approach different situations and the ideas, thoughts and issues raised in the course materials. It is good to have these discussions with fellow students, particularly during lockdown.
Karen Boyd, MSc Leadership and Management
Karen Boyd started working with NHS Grampian at the age of 17 as a trainee dental technician. Now at the age of 46 she manages Aberdeen Royal Infirmary’s Maxillofacial Prosthetics Service which specialises in craniofacial prosthetic rehabilitation.
Throughout her career she completed several courses of study including an apprenticeship, college courses, City and Guilds certificates, specialist courses, post graduate qualifications and professional awards. Her latest qualification was the MSc Leadership and Management with UHI Inverness, which she studied part-time and online from 2019 to 2021.
Karen said: “The course worked well with my lifestyle, and I enjoyed the flexibility of being able to work whilst studying. It’s hard studying remotely, but worth it. The tutors and lecturers were lovely and could not be more helpful.
"The modules I undertook were contemporary leadership, collaboration, employee relations, research for business and finally the research project. All of these modules are relevant in running a busy NHS service. The course has helped me to evolve as a manager.”
Karen was partly responsible for setting up the Artificial Eye clinic in NHS Grampian and took full responsibility for running the Maxillofacial Prosthetics department in 2011. She held the position of Honorary Registrar of the Institute for the Maxillofacial Prosthetists and Technologists for two years and in 2020 took on the role of Continual Professional Development Lead. She will move into to the role of Education Lead in January. Further to this, Karen is vice chair for the local Healthcare Science Forum in NHS Grampian,
Karen said: “My career is moving in a more leadership direction, and the course has helped me with that. I would like to expand the Maxillofacial Prosthetics Service and increase my leadership input with my profession as a whole. My advice to those considering my course would be, don’t underestimate how much hard work it requires. The more effort you put in, the more you will get out of it."
Monica Hoenigmann, MSc Leadership and Management
Monica Hoenigmann, an assistant principal at Edinburgh College, is studying a part-time MSc Leadership and Management online with UHI Inverness.
Monica (56) plans to continue to progress in senior education management and chose to study the course to enhance her leadership qualifications. She didn’t consider other universities because she was interested in this particular course and wanted to study online.
For Monica, the highlights of the three-year course are the research modules and the Managing in a Global Network module. Her favourite things about studying through UHI Inverness are the ability to meet international students and the flexibility of the course delivery.
Monica said: “I enjoy the variety of the modules, there are some very good lecturers and evening delivery fits in with my full-time job. All lecturers have their own style. I like those who offer breakout groups and guest speakers."
And her advice for future students of her course is clear - be prepared for lots of work!
Pauline Fraser, PG Certificate in Human Resource Management
Pauline Fraser (52) from Inverness is studying a PG Certificate in Human Resource Management part-time and enjoyed the last unit so much, she couldn’t wait to start studying again this academic year.
Pauline said: “The mix of business with current affairs is so interesting and the lecturer David Jack is really supportive. The group I’m currently studying with are a fab bunch and are really friendly.
“I really enjoy the contemporary feel of the course and the tutorials, and the online resources are great too. I’m looking forward to continuing my studies, gaining a really in-depth knowledge and furthering my skills in my current HR role.”
Pauline worked in hospitality, retail and retail management, before changing direction.
“I gained my Charted Institute in Personnel and Development (CIPD) certificate in Human Resources, before moving into HR and continuing my studies to achieve my diploma,” she said.
“I decided the time was right to start studying again and I feel this will increase my knowledge as well as validate my HR skills. I did consider other universities but chose UHI Inverness as it has amazing facilities and the opportunity to use the library should I have needed to."
Sarah McCarvel, MSc Human Resource Management
Sarah McCarvel was pregnant and working full-time when she studied a MSc in Human Resource Management part-time and online. She found the course was ideal for her as it helped her to progress in her HR career.
Sarah (33) of Inverness said: “The knowledge I obtained helped me to win a prestigious cHeRries award for Excellent HR Manager 2022. I was pleased to be able to collect this award only weeks before giving birth to my son Louie. In gaining my MSc I hope to continue to progress my career.”
Sarah, who has worked for several public bodies including Police Scotland, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and UHI Inverness, is now the HR Lead for the UK with LifeScan Scotland Ltd.
Sarah, who graduated in September, said: “I particularly enjoyed the fact that I was able to undertake structured learning and found the lecturers very helpful. I found the style of teaching very convenient as I was able to study around my full-time job. The materials were available online which supported flexible learning.
“I was able to study during my pregnancy and received great support from the lecturers. I can fully recommend this course to anyone who is prepared to study hard and show determination as the end result is well worth it.”
Sandra Reina Hernandez, HNC Business
Originally from Spain, Sandra Reina Hernandez (40) first studied English for Speakers of Other Languages Level 5 before completing the HNC in Business. She is now a second-year business degree student with ambitions to work in education.
“I am very grateful to be a student at UHI Inverness,” said Sandra.
“All the supervisors, with a special mention to Leigh Payne in Student Support, are doing a great job and if you feel a little down the wellbeing team will help you with additional needs. I chose the HNC course because I wanted to have a wider knowledge of Business Management and to keep improving my level of English.”
Studying has opened up opportunities for Sandra, including being a finalist in the business competition.
“I think it has given me a great opportunity to develop a career in this country,” said Sandra.
“I like meeting new people and the resources at UHI Inverness are amazing, such as a laptop if you don’t have one, the services of the library and all the computers around the campus. I also like the platform of Brightspace, everything is very intuitive and if you have any trouble the IT team will be there to help you! The building is just perfect for students.”