Student Spotlight - Dagmar Sisolova
A qualification in accounting is highly versatile and can open up opportunities to work in an area that interests you. Our courses will give you a practical foundation, and the professional skills and experience needed, to work in this thriving industry. We had a chat with one of our HND students to hear about her experience at UHI Perth.
Can you introduce yourself?
My name is Dagmar Sisolova, and I was born in Slovakia. I moved to Perth in June 2010, and have lived here since.
What course are you studying at UHI Perth, and what year are you currently in?
I have just finished my second year of HND Accounting. When I moved to Scotland, I studied English through the ESOL course.
How did you hear about UHI Perth?
I studied English at UHI Perth in the academic year 2010/2011. I have also lived in Perth for fourteen years.
What were you doing before you came to UHI Perth?
I completed HND Accounting at Dundee College and graduated in 2013 but I then went into employment. I worked for Lloyds Banking Group, SSE, and my last job was a telecommunication engineer for BT Openreach. I always wanted to go back to school and complete my BA in Accounting and I finally got to do it. I was advised to complete the second year of HND again because it has been thirteen years since I completed it and I needed to refresh my knowledge before I can continue in degree.
Why did you decide to pick this course?
At school in Slovakia, I studied accounting and other financial subjects called the ‘Business Academy’ and this is why I completed HND Accounting back in 2013. Working in different industries for ten years strengthened my feeling about becoming a Chartered Accountant one day and this is why I came back to college.
What is your favourite thing about the course?
I like that the class is small, and it feels more personal, and I am grateful for the fantastic lecturers who always link the learning material to the real-life examples which makes studying much easier. I also appreciate that all lecturers are very flexible and always try to spread assessments, so we do not get overwhelmed.
Has there been any standout/memorable moments from your course?
A big standout moment for me was when I was granted a scholarship by a well-known accounting firm Azets.
What knowledge, skills and experience have you gained from your course that will help you when you leave UHI Perth?
One of the biggest skills is the Advanced Spreadsheets unit as it seems to be an essential requirement for every employer within admin and finances. Another great skill is being able to read and understand the job adverts and creating a good professional CV and cover letter. This is a skill I learnt from the career advisors here at UHI Perth.
Have you undertaken a placement or work experience whilst at UHI Perth?
I have. I was granted a scholarship by Azets, and they offered me a work placement in their Perth office. It was a priceless experience which also gave me a better idea of working within an accounting firm. They often open jobs for school leavers and graduates.
Have your lecturers been supportive during your studies?
Absolutely! My lecturers have been fantastic - they are great in their job, teaching, and explaining the material in the way we can understand. They have always made sure that we are not being overwhelmed with too many exams at the same time and if we needed help, they were understanding and flexible.
Any other achievements you have gained on your journey?
Completing this academic year is an achievement on its own for me. I wasn't sure what to expect, if I will be able to join the rest of the class who had the knowledge from HNC Accounting fresh in their heads, but I have truly enjoyed it and it was a reassurance that accounting is what I enjoy doing and I would like to start my career in it.
What do you like about the campus/facilities?
I have used the brilliant career advisors on many occasions, they helped me building my first professional CV and cover letter and I now have knowledge which I can use in the future.
I have also enjoyed many meals prepared in the canteen.
Have you enjoyed studying at UHI Perth? Any highlights?
I am glad I have joined HND Accounting as I have learnt a lot of the latest information, met fantastic people (lecturers and fellow students), and built contacts within the accounting industry that are priceless.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of your studies?
I am very active and regular exercising is my biggest hobby. It also brings a good balance when I use my brain to do lot of work for college. Another hobby, and fantastic way to bring balance for me, is to go for walks to the countryside with my family or even just a walk around the Inch.
What are your future career plans?
I would like to complete professional exams and become a fully qualified chartered accountant.
And finally, what advice would you give to someone thinking about studying at UHI Perth?
I would say ‘Just do it!’. Even if you realise that the course you selected in the first place is not what you expected, there are so many other ways and paths that you will learn about when you get to college that you will always learn something valuable, gain new skills, meet great people, and most importantly improve yourself. As Seneca - stoic philosopher of Ancient Rome, said: “There is no one more foolish than one who stops learning”.
