Alumni Spotlight - Dominika Oska
At Perth College UHI, we can help you to progress through a range of qualifications to start or advance your career. Dominika is proof of this – she started studying English for Speakers of Other Languages and then progressed on to achieve a range of business qualifications. She shares her journey with us 👇
What is your name, and where are you from?
My name is Dominika, and I’m from Poland.
What course are you studying at Perth College UHI, and what year are you currently in?
I began my studies doing ESOL and I recently completed the HND Business course.
How did you hear about Perth College UHI?
Word of mouth. I moved from England to Scotland seven years ago and at the time my English was not so good. People in Scotland are so friendly and chatty! I wanted to make English my mother tongue, both spoken and written. One of my friends suggested that I should try to look at courses at Perth College UHI. Therefore, I chose the ESOL course, which was back in 2018.
What were you doing before you came to college?
I worked part-time at a local bakery.
Why did you decide to pick this course?
After completing ESOL, I didn’t have a specific plan of what to do, but I always had a desire to achieve higher education. I decided to apply for a place on the Gateway to Science and NQ Business courses. I decided to accept the offer on NQ Business as this course introduces a wide range of business and management skills, where I continued my studies up to HND Business.
What is your favourite thing about the course?
In my opinion, the course provides the opportunity to gain and develop transferable skills, such as an understanding of how organisations operate and strong communication skills (oral and written). Also, the course consists of the most popular fields of study at universities worldwide - such as finance, business management, and economics - which allows you to gain a foundation in these aspects of the business world, before choosing a specialisation in Year 3. You can either stick to a broad-based knowledge by choosing the generic pathway or you can specialise.
Has there been any standout/memorable moments from your course?
I achieved the Business Graded Unit 2 with an A grade!
What knowledge, skills and experience have you gained from your course that will help you when you leave Perth College UHI?
I gained a range of knowledge and understanding of subjects such as: Marketing, Human Resources and Business Law. Furthermore, I have a greater understanding of basic economic principles and know how to assess a firm’s financial health. I developed my skills, such as self-discipline and gained a habit of prioritising tasks.
Have you undertaken a placement or work experience whilst at Perth College UHI?
Unfortunately, no. I was supposed to undertake a placement, but it didn’t happen due to the pandemic.
During the pandemic, how did the style of teaching change? Were your lecturers supportive during this time?
It was fortunate that during the pandemic, my course was continued and delivered online. The lectures were very supportive! Most of them offered to have one-to-one if anyone required additional support.
Any other achievements you have gained on your journey?
I was nominated for the Most Inspiring Student Award in 2019 and I achieved the Business Graded Unit 1 and 2 with an A grade.
What do you like about the campus/facilities?
I like the gym! As a gym member, you get access to a variety of good-quality exercise equipment. There are also plenty of fitness classes to pick from. I also think that the library and the staff that work there are fantastic, especially Maria!
Have you enjoyed studying at Perth College UHI? Any highlights?
100%! I enjoyed studying at Perth College UHI. My class was a small size class. This allowed students to have more one-on-one interaction with lectures, which probably wouldn’t happen in a large university. I also think that at Perth College UHI, there is a strong sense of community.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of college?
Outside of college, I mostly spend time with my daughter. She is just about to start Primary 3, and I try to support her educational journey. I also like to travel and draw when it’s possible. Scotland is a such beautiful country, with many amazing places!
What are your future career plans?
I wish to know, but I haven’t decided yet. Either to go into full-time employment or continue to study, very likely with a specialisation in finance. It gets harder every year, and I am not too sure if I will be able to manage the workload along with my other responsibilities.
And finally, what advice would you give to someone thinking about studying at Perth College UHI?
Don’t wait on perfect conditions for success to happen; don’t think too much, instead go ahead and do something. It will pay back later, trust me! You may need to sacrifice your free time, but it will help you to enhance your skills, such as time management skills and self-discipline. The more knowledge you gain, the more opportunities will open up - including better possibilities for career and personal growth.
Can you tell us a bit about who you work for?
I currently work for Diatech UK, which is now one of the UK’s premium diamond blade and core drill suppliers to the construction industry. Diatech provides a comprehensive range of specialist diamond blades, core drills and grinding cups. The branch is located in Target House on Ruthvenfield Road in Perth.
Has there been any standout/memorable moments during your time at Diatech UK?
I have worked at Diatech UK for nearly five months now. I am still learning about the business and industry I work within. Probably the most memorable time at Diatech UK was my first day. The company provides a treat lunch on the last day of each month. I started on 31st March. I couldn’t have picked a better day to start! It also helped me to feel less nervous in the new work environment.
How do you feel your job will help you in your career progression?
My employer is very supportive and invests in people. I have access to various courses online and I recently started the Accounts Payable Analytics course. Regarding career progression, I am happy focusing on my current job.
Anything else you feel like telling us about your experience?
It’s still early days for me and I’m excited to see what the future holds for me at Diatech UK 😊
