Graduate Spotlight - Kim Booth
“There’s really nothing to lose, it was the best decision I have ever made.”
After her graduation in October, we caught up with Kim to hear about her journey and why it had such an impact on her life ⬇️
Can you introduce yourself?
My name is Kim and I’m originally from Aberdeen.
What course did you study at UHI Perth?
BA (Hons) Literature and Criminology.
How did you hear about UHI Perth?
Through school when I was applying! I’d never heard of UHI before but very grateful I was offered the chance to apply while at school.
What were you doing before you came to UHI Perth?
I came to UHI straight from school after sixth year, moving to Perth from Aberdeen where I grew up.
Why did you decide to pick this course?
I had a keen interest in English in school but had wanted to be a criminologist from the age of about thirteen so being able to study a course that was a perfect blend of the two was the ideal choice for me. There was so much more overlap than I first thought too!
What was your favourite thing about the course?
Probably the fact that every day was something new, there wasn’t ever a day I felt bored by studying. It was challenging at times, but I enjoyed that - every day I felt like I was being productive. Seeing the work pay off in the end meant a lot.
Were there any standout/memorable moments from your course?
Writing my dissertation at the end of my course on a topic that meant a lot to me. It was a chance for me to put all of my skills and everything I had learned into one piece of work that I was so proud of.
What knowledge, skills and experience have you gained from your course that will help you now that you have graduated from UHI Perth?
With the help of my tutors, I learned so much about my learning style that will help me going forward. All of my modules encouraged me to engage and think critically which has been useful as I go into my new job. In my first year, I was a literature representative too which taught me leadership skills and helped me come out of my shell - I think it helped me become more confident as a person.
Were your lecturers supportive during your studies?
Yes! My lecturers were all very understanding. In my last two years, I worked full time as a social media analyst and lived in a different city, so I wasn’t always the most flexible person, but I was always encouraged to reach out and get help whenever possible. All of this encouraged me to keep going with my studies. I’m really thankful for them.
What do you like about the campus/facilities?
I love the diversity of the campus and how much there is to offer. The Academy of Sport and Wellbeing was a highlight, I loved using the gym every time I was in for lectures. It encouraged me to prioritise fitness as well as study.
Did you enjoy studying at UHI Perth? Any highlights?
I did! My highlight was probably my dissertation and getting to present on a topic that meant a lot to me.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of your studies?
In my spare time I enjoy keeping fit by running and travelling whenever I can with my friends - I love learning new things and seeing the world. I also have ridden horses since a young age and was out competing most weekends during my time at uni!
What are your future career plans now that you have graduated?
I was grateful to receive a job offer with a Big 4 firm immediately upon graduating. I’m now pursuing my Chartered Accountancy certification with Deloitte while actively working as an Audit Associate. I joined them in September after being accepted onto their graduate programme and it’s a very rewarding career path so far. I’m learning so much!
And finally, what advice would you give to someone thinking about studying at UHI Perth?
I’d say go for it! It was a really rewarding course and I learned so much. You can really be anything you want with a degree from UHI, I’m glad people are starting to hear more about it. On top of that, the staff are all very supportive. There’s really nothing to lose, it was the best decision I have ever made.
