Student Spotlight - Ben Evans
Returning to education does not mean that you have to commit to a full-time course on our campus in Perth. We offer a wide range of courses that can be done on a part-time basis and through distance learning. Our business courses allow you to gain a range of knowledge and understanding that is highly sought-after by employers, including: business fundamentals; marketing; economics; emerging technologies; IT; communication; accounting and management. Almost nearing completion of his HNC, we chatted to Ben to see how he has found studying via distance learning.
What is your name, and where are you from?
My name is Ben Evans, I grew up in the Scottish Borders and now I’m currently living in Edinburgh.
What course are you studying at UHI Perth?
I am just finishing off my second year, studying a part-time Business HNC.
How did you hear about UHI Perth?
I found out about the HNC through the UHI website when searching the internet for a part-time online course.
What were you doing before you started studying at UHI Perth?
When I started the course, I was a part of the Edinburgh Rugby Senior Academy set up. I’ve also been lucky enough to play for Scotland u20s a number of times over these last couple of years whilst working on the HNC. This year, I have easily been able to combine my studies with my job at a local school coaching Rugby.
Why did you decide to pick this course?
I really wanted to continue my education whilst being involved with the rugby after leaving school. The flexibility of this form of qualification meant I could easily complete my studying around my full-time training schedule.
How have you found doing a distance learning course? Has it been easy to navigate the systems?
At first it was a little overwhelming learning how to navigate Brightspace and myday but once I became familiar with everything, I had no issues at all finding my way around it. The layout makes it easy to locate all the materials you need. All of the staff are very understanding with getting used to the sites.
Have your lecturers been supportive during your studies?
Yes, they are all really helpful and respond to any questions very quickly. They’re always checking in through emails, which is great as it reminds us that we’re not all alone, there is people there to support us.
What is your favourite thing about the course?
Just the flexibility of it all, it’s great being able to do some studying around my other commitments. This has helped me be able to balance my time so that I can put the most effort into everything I do.
Has there been any standout/memorable moments from your course?
The sense of achievement after completing a long essay or project is great to work towards.
What knowledge, skills and experience have you gained from your course that will help you when you finish your course at UHI Perth?
Apart from expanding my knowledge about business management, on the whole I have been able to develop my organisational and time keeping skills when working towards assessment deadlines. Another thing that has helped develop my skills is one my units which I am almost finished. This unit is Personal Development Planning, I have been able to work on creating an effective CV and create an action plan so I can start working towards my short-term and long-term goals.
Any other achievements you have gained on your journey?
Receiving a conditional offer to start year two of a full-time course in Edinburgh after the summer if I successfully complete all of my units.
Have you managed to make new connections and friends, with it being a distance learning course?
There haven’t been many group projects in the units I have completed but everyone I have had the chance to interact with have been really friendly and helpful.
Have you enjoyed studying at UHI Perth? Any highlights?
Yes, when you start seeing the results of the assessments, after dedicating the time to get work done, is great.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of college?
I have recently started playing golf. It’s a work in progress, so I will hopefully get some more practice in over the summer.
What are your future career plans?
I am quite interested in rural surveying so the fundamentals of business I have learnt in my HNC, combined with the Rural Business Management degree I am hopefully moving onto after the summer, will all help towards becoming a chartered surveyor at some point in the future.
And finally, what advice would you give to someone thinking about studying at UHI Perth?
I would say just to keep on top of your work as the submission deadlines always come around so quick, so stay organised to avoid having to do everything within the last week. I have found planning a few weeks in advance helps a lot with this. Finally, just enjoy being able to study around your other commitments as there isn’t many other places/courses where you can do the same.
