Scholarship Spotlight - Josh Norris
“Every single one of my fellow students have been amazing throughout and I have made some great friends. The lecturers as well have been superb, they help you as much as they can and always try to make time for you.”
Business student, Joshua, has been studying at Perth College UHI for the last four years and is due to graduate this October. He chats to us about his course and the scholarships he applied for during his time at college.
Can you introduce yourself?
Joshua Norris. I was brought up in Killin, but I have stayed in Perth for seven years.
What course did you study at Perth College UHI, and in what year did you complete your studies?
I studied Access to Humanities and was awarded my Highers in 2018. I then studied Business and Management (Hons) and have been awarded a First Class Degree in 2022.
How did you hear about Perth College UHI?
I heard about Perth College UHI through my friends who had studied there before me.
What were you doing before you came to Perth College UHI?
I was working in retail.
Why did you decide to pick this course?
It took me a while to decide on a course that I really wanted to do, it is very tricky as you feel that your decision at that moment will completely set a course for your whole career (it doesn’t). But I picked Business and Management as I felt it suited my strengths.
What was your favourite thing about the course?
The people! Every single one of my fellow students have been amazing throughout and I have made some great friends. The lecturers as well have been superb, they help you as much as they can and always try to make time for you.
Were there any standout/memorable moments from your course?
We had a big friend group in the first couple of years on the course so most of my most fun memories were spending my breaks with them. Over lockdown this did stop, but we would occasionally video call. Finishing and submitting my final piece of work was very memorable as well, it was an odd feeling of “well this is it” after four years.
What knowledge, skills and experience did you gain from your course that have helped you since leaving Perth College UHI?
There is honestly too much to list. But the standout thing is just the ability to be organised and learn things in a way that suit me. I have been complimented on my ability to learn quickly, which was never the case before this course! I think being on short work placements had helped this as well as you are always in changing environments.
How did you hear about the scholarship opportunities available at Perth College UHI?
Our PAT would send out regular updates which would often mention these opportunities.
How did you find the scholarship process? Was it easy to apply?
It was very easy.
What scholarship did you apply for?
I actually applied for three scholarships across my time at Perth College UHI. A S Wealth Management, St Johnstone FC and Thorntons Law.
Did you learn a lot during the scholarship?
I was awarded the scholarship at Thorntons Law; however, this was over lockdown so we couldn’t really do any official work placement. It was still incredibly generous of them to offer the scholarship award and it has helped me a lot.
I was not awarded the scholarship on the HNC for St Johnstone FC, but the feedback I received really set the tone for my degree. I was told that experience is as important as qualifications and that I should look to do as much work experience and internships as I can alongside my degree. I took this onboard and set a goal to take on one work placement a year.
I was not awarded the scholarship on the HND for A S Wealth Management but again I took a lot away from it. I learnt not to focus to much on my weaknesses and showcase my strengths a lot more. Andrew also stayed in touch and connected me with Vikki Bruce who I completed another work placement with at Maclean & Bruce. I was also offered a further work placement with Andrew at a later date and then offered a job.
Did you get lots of support from the staff at your scholarship?
As mentioned above, yes loads!
What was your favourite thing you did, during the scholarship?
Just having the chance to meet new people was great!
Do you think your scholarship experience helped you with your studies and your future career?
Definitely. I feel it helped me feel more comfortable in interview processes, as well as preparation for these interviews. They also opened the door to other opportunities.
What would be your advice for anyone thinking about applying for a scholarship?
To just go for it. I feel a lot of people give up before they even apply! Honestly, you just need to believe you are as good as everyone else applying and understand that even if you aren’t given the scholarship, you will still take away so much from it! You can do it!
What have you been up to since graduation? Are you currently employed?
At the date of writing this I have not officially graduated as graduation is in October 2022. But I was offered a job at A S Wealth Management, I have been enjoying my time here. I have also taken on the challenge of participating in a charity White Collar boxing event as well taking the opportunity to relax. The Fair City Fight Night is taking place on 13 August in Perth Concert Hall and I am raising money for the charity Alcohol Change.
Do you feel your time at Perth College UHI helped you with your career?
100%. It has completely changed my life! Before I started Perth College UHI, I didn’t have any qualifications or experience aside from working in retail. Not only that, but it has also given me a lot of confidence in my own abilities.
What are your future career plans?
I am looking into taking the career route of a Paraplanner, but at the moment I am happy focusing on my current job, I want to master it before I do anything else.
Did you enjoy studying at Perth College UHI? Any highlights?
Yes, I really enjoyed studying at Perth College UHI. I think my highlights are the friends I made and what I achieved.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about studying at Perth College UHI?
To just go for it! Do a bit of research and find a course you feel is right for you. Have a bit of a plan, but don’t be scared to take different routes and try new things as well as doing things at your own pace, that’s how you find what is truly right for you.
