Scholarship Spotlight - Rachael Carr
Did you know that we have a Scholarship programme to help students who are committed to their studies and are keen to develop their skills to reach their full potential?
Funding is provided by Perth College UHI Development Trust, with donations made by entrepreneurial businesses and individuals who are willing to invest in Scotland’s talent and economic future.
With 30 scholarships available to students, each award varies according to the benefactor’s wishes. Some offer a financial reward, whilst others pay for expenses towards work experience in prestigious locations within the student’s chosen field. Other awards provide support to students through mentoring.
We caught up with BA Hospitality student, Rachael Carr, to find out how she has benefited from the scholarship programme.
What were you doing before you came to college?
I left Perth High School at the end of fifth year after getting my required grades, and this allowed me to get into Perth College UHI.
Why did you decide to come to Perth College UHI?
I chose to apply for Perth College UHI as it offered a full hospitality degree, as well as offering many different opportunities to gain experience.
Why did you choose this course?
I’ve had a passion for hospitality since I was young. Many people have a perception that hospitality is an industry that’s all about waiting tables, or only for people that have dropped out of school with no qualifications. However, hospitality is such as large industry with so many opportunities that have opened so many doors for myself and my future career.
How did you hear about the scholarship opportunities available at Perth College UHI?
I heard about scholarships through the hospitality lecturers. They encouraged us to look at the brochure that contained all of the scholarships available.
How did you find the scholarship process?
The scholarship application process seems a lot more daunting then it actually is – you need a few short paragraphs about why you think you deserve the scholarship, as well as the benefits you think it will have on your future career. This is also a process in which your lecturers are more than happy to provide guidance and reassurance on.
Did you learn a lot during the scholarships?
In the 18/19 academic year, I was awarded 3 scholarships. The first one was a trip to Lausanne in Switzerland, with HIT Scotland. I then got £1000 in expenses again with HIT Scotland, which allowed me to undertake work experience within an area I enjoyed - as well as allowing me the opportunity to gain experience and contacts within the industry. The last scholarship that I was awarded, was the Lord Forte scholarship - this allowed me to gain work experience in the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh.
These scholarships not only allowed me to meet people that share the same passion for the industry as me, but also allowed me to gain contacts and experience, that will be with me for the rest of my career.
Did you get lots of support from the staff at your scholarships?
The staff were a great help when applying for the scholarships, as well as helping to prepare you for the interview stages. Although lecturers tell you about the benefits of the scholarships, it is very scary appling for these opportuinites. In my first year of studying at Perth College UHI, I never applied for any scholarships as I was scared of going out and working with businesses and seeing how they work. In my second of year of studying, I thought what could I lose? Therefore I applied for two of the best scholarships the hospitality department has to offer. My thought was that if I apply for them and don’t get awarded with them, I am losing nothing. However, if I apply for them and get awarded one, then I am gaining a huge amount of experience and amazing contacts. From that point on, I threw myself at every available opportunity - such as the chance to go to Switzerland.
Do you think your scholarship experience will help you with your studies and your future career?
These experiences have already benefited me a great deal - expanding my current knowledge in the industry, and also allowing me to create contacts, helping set up my career once I have graduated. I am still in contact with many people and businesses I met through the scholarships. Job opportunities are also an amazing chance that is provided when carrying out the scholarships, if the company are happy with how you work - as well as the benefits you could bring to the business.
What would be your advice for anyone thinking about applying for a scholarship?
I would advise everyone to go and apply for scholarships, because at the end of the day you are not losing anything and you could potentially gain the most amazing experience of your life - as well as meeting inspirational people and gaining vital contacts, especially within the hospitality industry as they will be useful throughout your career. Looking back, I regret not applying for scholarships in first year as I have missed out on the chance to be able to gain more experience, as well as gaining more contacts.
What do you plan to do after you leave college?
I am currently in contact with people I have met through carrying out my scholarships - who are helping me gain experience and providing me with guidance and knowledge of the events industry, as this is the route I want to go down. I’m sure an exciting future lies ahead!
Find out more about the scholarship programme, and how to apply, here.
