Where Are They Now? ➕ Rana Yilmaz
#WhereYourFutureMeansMore ➕ We really value our alumni and we love hearing about their current endeavours and career journeys. In this week’s blog, we caught up with former sport and fitness student, Rana Yilmaz.
What course did you study at UHI Perth?
BSc Hons Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation, completing in 2022.
Why did you pick this course?
I was working in the industry doing Swedish body massage. I had always wanted to increase my knowledge and focus more on the sports and rehabilitation side of things, and when the course came along it was ideal for me
How did you hear about UHI Perth?
I had been a student here previously.
What were you doing before you came to UHI Perth?
Working as a massage therapist but had taken time out to have my second-born baby.
Where do you work now and what do you do?
I am a Sports Therapist, and I am currently running my own successful clinic - ‘The Treatment Room Perth’.
I have worked very hard to get to where I am right now, especially coming through Covid which presented many challenges including finishing off my degree and trying to juggle work and life with two young kids. To be honest, it looked the business was touch and go during that period and I wasn't even sure it would make it out the other end. However, I kept pushing forward and it definitely paid off, business is now booming. My qualifications from UHI helped me to achieve that!
Key milestones from graduation to now?
My mum and dad both passed away during the latter two years of my studies. My mum took ill with cancer and lost her battle shortly after my graduation. Despite wanting to throw the towel in many times, I kept going for her - I wanted her to see me graduate because if it wasn't for her, I would never have got to where I am today. She helped me get through my studies with two young kids. She was my rock, and I miss her so much!
I was so close to throwing it all in, but I did get a lot of support from certain lecturers at UHI, they were really good.
I initially set out to do the HNC course and honestly couldn't believe I graduated with a bachelor’s degree. The lecturers at UHI persuaded me to keep going because they believed in me. For someone who left school pretty early, I never ever dreamed I would graduate in anything.
I now have the advantage of being my own boss and being able to work around both of my children. It really has been life changing!
Biggest career highlight?
Making the business a success. Watching my client base grow and grow every year has been amazing, I get to work with some incredible people.
Future aspirations?
I would love to grow the business and have a bigger establishment with more therapists working with me.
How did your course at UHI help you to get where you are?
It helped me increase my knowledge and understanding of sports therapy which has helped me to grow a wonderful small business. The course changed my whole outlook on life. It opened the door to the world of fitness for me and I have never looked back.
Best thing about studying at UHI?
I loved the gym and learning about being in a gym. I also loved working the clinic and gaining work experience from that. Also, the people.
Were your lecturers at UHI Perth supportive during your studies?
Yes, 100%. With having two young kids, sometimes allowances needed to be made for me to be able to achieve my studies. It wasn't easy, and I had to put the hard work in, but I never felt like I couldn't ask for help if needed.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about studying Sports Therapy at UHI Perth?
Go for it! It was such an amazing course, and the industry is constantly growing.
Applications are open for Sport and Fitness courses starting in September 2025. Find your place at UHI Perth >>
