Student Spotlight - Kayleigh Ptak
Professionals with exceptional administrative assistant skills are in high demand in today’s competitive business environment. In general, they are some of the key players behind the scenes at a business making sure that everything runs smoothly on a daily basis. They can be key to a company’s success because of the value they bring to the organisation.
Admin and IT courses at UHI Perth have a practical foundation and students can expect to be developing and applying their new skills from day one. Kayleigh chats to us about her time so far at UHI Perth.
What is your name, and where are you from?
I’m Kayleigh Ptak and all my life I have lived in a small village called Abernethy.
What course are you studying at UHI Perth, and what year are you currently in?
I am currently studying Admin at NQ level and am hoping to progress onto studying Admin at HNC level during the 2023/2024 academic year. Previously, before choosing to study Admin, I completed three years of the New Skills course that is offered within the SVS department.
How did you hear about UHI Perth?
Many of my friends and family members have previously studied here and I had heard from them how much they enjoyed their courses, and I thought it would be a great place to continue my education after I left school.
What were you doing before you came to college?
I spent 5 years at St John’s RC Academy before hearing about the school link programme that the SVS department offer to new students, which allows school leavers to experience a taster of what happens on the course. After going to college one day a week, whilst completing my exams and finishing school, I decided to stay in the SVS department full time until last June.
Why did you decide to pick this course?
I decided to apply for NQ Admin as I was keen to expand my knowledge and experience within the subject, I was looking forward to meeting new people who shared something in common with me and I hoped that I would gain qualifications that would look good on my CV and help me progress into future jobs within this industry.
What is your favourite thing about the course?
In semester one when I studied ‘Front of Office’ and ‘Managing Time, Resources and Wellbeing’. I especially enjoyed these topics because I learnt how receptions are run on a daily basis and I learnt how to manage my time better and how to prioritise.
Has there been any standout/memorable moments from your course?
I have enjoyed the whole element of my course, but I have especially enjoyed learning more about Word Processing, Communications, Human Resources, Admin Theory, Front of Office, and Managing Time, Resources and Wellbeing as I find these quite interesting to learn about and I really like the theory element that you pick up from each topic.
As part of my Event Organisation class, my team and I decided to host a general knowledge quiz to raise funds for the Blythewood Shoe Box Appeal.
What knowledge, skills and experience have you gained from your course that will help you when you leave UHI Perth?
I have gained more knowledge and confidence in terms of how to navigate around Microsoft software and in each of my classes I have used valuable skills which will be useful in my personal and work life going forward.
Have you undertaken a placement or work experience whilst at UHI Perth?
I am hoping to do a few days work experience within UHI Perth Marketing Department in May as I have had previous experience in this industry in my job roles that I do outside of college.
Have your lecturers been supportive during your studies?
My lecturers have been a great support to me throughout studying this course and are always happy to help if I am struggling with anything in particular.
Any other achievements you have gained on your journey?
It has been a nice boost to receive positive feedback after I have completed assessments.
What do you like about the campus/facilities?
The campus is very spacious, and most buildings are easy to access, I love hanging out in the canteen or in Costa, the library is a great space to go and the classrooms are well structured.
Have you enjoyed studying at UHI Perth? Any highlights?
I have had a lovely time studying here, everyone is friendly and makes you feel welcome. I will always remember the group of people that I’ve shared classes with, everything we have in common with each other and what we have achieved together being on the same courses.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of college?
I enjoy listening to an eclectic mix of music; I love reading romance novels and autobiographies; I like watching movies and the latest boxsets; and finally I enjoy spending time with my close family and friends.
What are your future career plans?
I would like to continue with my admin job roles in the foreseeable future and in the longer term I hope to still be working in the admin or marketing industry in some way.
And finally, what advice would you give to someone thinking about studying at UHI Perth?
If you are deciding whether to start studying here, I would say apply for courses that interest you, or that will expand your knowledge and improve your social and confidence skills. This will be valuable to you within your personal and work life but overall, the courses that you study will be more enjoyable and coming here will be one of the best decisions you ever made.
