Student Spotlight - Josefina Neira
“Doing this course made me more confident at work and in my ability to study. I now feel I have the background to make applications for a wider variety of jobs”
With highly commended programmes delivered in partnership with the crème de la crème of industry professionals, we offer invaluable skills to prepare our students for a career in the Tourism and Hospitality industry. We offer flexible courses that can coincide with working, and this is exactly what attracted Josefina to Perth College UHI. She shares her story 👇
What is your name, and where are you from?
I am Josefina Neira and I am from Uruguay.
What course are you studying at Perth College UHI, and what year are you currently in?
This is year 1 and I am doing an HNC (Higher National Certificate) in Hospitality. Last year I completed the PDA (Professional Development Award) in Hospitality and decided to keep moving forward, since it was a great experience.
The PDA in Hospitality is an almost entirely practical course, with a bit of theory work, which is ideal if you either come from the industry or if you want to start your career. If you have experience, then is a place where you can polish your skills and learn the theory behind the practise. We used the Gallery Restaurant, which is a practise restaurant, but with real customers. It is a safe environment where you can learn and make mistakes and be ready for a job in the field if you are absolutely new to it.
In my case, I was working in the industry but had no experience in restaurant managing. Doing the course helped me to get shifts at the restaurant of my workplace and do something different.
How did you hear about Perth College UHI?
I did online research about places to study and Perth College UHI was not only the nearest College, but also the one that offered Hospitality part-time courses.
What were you doing before you came to college?
I was working as hotel housekeeper, and I wanted to do something more but that could still allow me to keep working.
Why did you decide to pick this course?
I wanted to progress on my studies and achieve the HNC in Hospitality Industry. So, I decided to do the other half that I was missing, which after the PDA is all theory work. The HNC has finance for hospitality, accommodation operations, events industry - all interesting and useful modules.
What is your favourite thing about the course?
How it is structured. I find it very well thought-out. As a part-time student, I could make my studies fit around work and family. It is possible to gain a qualification and keep building up on that and move forward at your own pace; you can even end up going for a degree!
Has there been any standout/memorable moments from your course?
There was indeed a memorable lunch at Cromlix Hotel at the end of the PDA. It was a lovely get together and it was nice to be on the receiving side of the service we were delivering during the year.
What knowledge, skills and experience have you gained from your course that will help you when you leave Perth College UHI?
I learnt how to be a team leader, how to research trends in the industry, the appropriate way of communicating with different people (customers, colleagues), how to take on and give feedback, how to adequately train others and pass on my skills, it is a long list! Most of these I use now on a daily basis at my workplace.
I believe the most useful tool I learnt is communication; how to approach people and issues in a professional manner.
Have you undertaken a placement or work experience whilst at Perth College UHI?
Not yet, but I believe this year I will.
Have your lecturers been supportive during your studies?
100%. They were very present throughout, making sure every task was fully explained and that any question was addressed. They were reassuring, knowledgeable and experienced. I was always happy to go to class because it was such a welcoming and nice atmosphere.
I found them encouraging and supportive. I was a bit weary to come back to study as an adult, after many years of leaving high school, but it was no issue at all as their guidance is so on point.
Any other achievements you have gained on your journey?
Doing this course made me more confident at work and in my ability to study. I now feel I have the background to make applications for a wider variety of jobs and that I am able to continue studying, that I can do it.
What do you like about the campus/facilities?
I liked that the building was well maintained and clean. Also, we had available all the equipment we needed to carry out our practical work in the restaurant and kitchen. The library is well stocked as well, and it is possible to arrange the use of a laptop for the length of your studies. The student support hub also looks very robust; I was often reminded that they are there to help me if I need them.
Have you enjoyed studying at Perth College UHI? Any highlights?
I certainly did. It was a big effort because I had to commute from Pitlochry and fit it around work and family life as well, but it was really rewarding and absolutely worth it.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of college?
I enjoy reading a lot and writing. I like outdoors and countryside, so I go on walk and care for my veggie garden.
What are your future career plans?
I would like to continue my formation in Hospitality and further on, run a bed and breakfast.
And finally, what advice would you give to someone thinking about studying at Perth College UHI?
Go for it! Studying will not only open more job opportunities for you, but it will also be a very satisfying journey. Challenging at times for sure, but beneficial. I would advise that you get in touch with the college, they would help you to decide and walk you through funding options and courses.
