Student Spotlight - Nathan Strang
“My lecturers have been incredibly supportive and understanding throughout every year of study.”
Coming to college/university can have a considerable effect on people's lives: from the decision making and application stage, all the way to enrolment, induction and then ongoing throughout your studies. At UHI Perth, we try to make this transition as easy as possible, and our friendly and supportive staff are always on hand to make your journey a memorable one.
Having recently completed his studies; Nathan took some time out to chat to us about his experience 👇
Can you introduce yourself?
Nathan Strang and I live in Macduff, Aberdeenshire
What course are you studying at UHI Perth?
I have just finished and completed my BA (Hons) in Business and Management after working tirelessly for five years.
I started back on an NC Administration course and working my way up from NC, HNC, HND Administration to a third year in a Business and Management degree, to where I am currently with my Honours.
How did you hear about UHI Perth?
I originally heard about the opportunity to attend UHI Perth through UHI Moray with my PAT, Jane Freeman, as the degree course for my subject area was not being held there.
What were you doing before you came to UHI Perth?
Before attending UHI, I was in secondary school, attending Nairn Academy. I left in my fifth year of secondary school and attended UHI Inverness on an NC Accounting course. Unfortunately, due to physical and mental health reasons, I did not pass. So, for two years, I took the time to recover and bring myself back to normal. In 2019, I attended UHI Moray and haven’t stopped since then until reaching my honours degree.
Why did you decide to pick this course?
Since mid-way through secondary school, when I chose to take a business management course, I fell in love with the business world. I recognised that businesses have shaped our modern world into what it is today, touching every aspect of our lives. Sometimes for good, sometimes for bad, but I knew I wanted to be a part of it, wanting to help build a business of my own or for someone else where the business really made a difference in people's lives, whether that be life-altering or just bringing a smile to someone's face.
What is your favourite thing about the course?
My favourite part of the course has to be the simple discussion with others every week during class, talking about subject matters related to business that everyone is passionate about or about current events going on in the world that impact our related field. Of course, the academic work was enjoyable, but the students and lecturers made the course memorable.
Has there been any standout/memorable moments from your course?
The most memorable part of my academic study is the ‘Research and Planning’, a new business venture module. It was such a unique experience compared to everything else. I could fully utilise and explore my business knowledge and curiosity to create a business plan - one that even went on to win me an award. This wouldn’t have been possible without the invaluable support and enjoyable conversations weekly with my appointed module leader again and I will look back on this for decades to come!
What knowledge, skills and experience have you gained from your course that will help you when you leave UHI Perth?
Throughout my time studying, I have built upon my skills and knowledge to heights I didn’t think possible with my poor start after school. I learned the academic stuff like marketing, business development, strategies, HR, operations and everything in between. I have also grown so much emotionally and mentally as a person, becoming more confident in how I talk and approach situations. Being able to handle the good and bad times without it stopping me and pushing me to become a better person, and to put myself out there. Even going on to make me enter my business idea into the UHI Business Competition of 2025 and winning the Youth Entrepreneurship Award, which I wouldn’t have been able to without my journey through UHI.
Have you undertaken a placement or work experience whilst at UHI Perth?
Unfortunately, due to my circumstances of living in a small, remote town with a mobility issue and conducting my course entirely online for four years made it extremely difficult to take on such placements or work experience. However this made me even more determined in my academic work to prove - not only to myself but to others - that I can still be a valuable asset to a business.
Have your lecturers been supportive during your studies?
My lecturers have been incredibly supportive and understanding throughout every year of study. They have given me as much time as I needed to understand certain concepts or to assist in academic writing, replying to me and meeting with me whenever I needed it. They are also friendly, talkative, and easy to work with.
Congratulations, you recently won the ‘Youth Entrepreneurship Award’ at the UHI Business Competition held in Inverness. Can you tell us about your entry?
My entry into the business competition was based on much of the work I had already done for one of my modules. The goal of the idea is to create a product for a walking aid that helps its users by reducing noise emitted from a walking aid while reducing the hand and shoulder stain in a simple 3-step installation process that doesn’t require the user to replace their entire walking aid This would bring convenience and true disability support to those who need it the most. I decided, "Why not? Let's see where this goes." Next thing I knew, I was in front of a panel of judges, sweating like mad, but due to my experience over my academic study, I delivered a compelling presentation that allowed me to win the award.
Any other achievements you have gained on your journey?
Other than making it to my current level, which I consider a massive personal achievement, I also won an award for the best and highest presentation grade that had ever been received on the research and planning a new business venture module at 97%, with no other student ever reaching above 90%.
Another personal achievement was being among the few students selected in 2022 to interview candidates for the position of deputy principal of UHI Moray. My lecturer personally recommended me for the task in recognition of the hard work and effort I had been putting in at that point.
What do you like about the campus/facilities?
Unfortunately, I never spent time at the UHI Perth campus, only a year at UHI Moray and Inverness. This was because my course is entirely online, and I've been an online student since 2020. I have used some support facilities, like the online library for referencing, which has come in handy many times. I have used a career advisor and student mental health support. Each of these services has been instrumental in guidance and support.
Have you enjoyed studying at UHI Perth? Any highlights?
I have enjoyed much of my time at UHI Perth, mainly because the people made it enjoyable. People like Lindsey Kelly, Sinead Brydon and Scott Innes - lecturers of mine - have been a joy to work with and seek guidance from, while also having that same enjoyment with my peers. The course would have been less enjoyable without them. The passion for these courses and subject material shines through these people.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of your studies?
I enjoy various hobbies, including nature walking, my vast array of windowsill chillies, video games (specifically grand strategy games), Formula 1, reading business articles, fusion home cooking, and watching the Aurora Borealis. I also adore my miniature Yorkshire Terriers, Buddy and Holly, who have been a constant source of joy throughout my academic career.
What are your future career plans?
Unfortunately, nothing solid exists as of now, given the extremely limited job availability here. Most of the jobs do not require someone with an honour’s degree. But I am seeking active employment either through a graduate scheme or a company. I aim to work for a company that really does make a difference in people's lives. Then, potentially, after gaining work experience and financial breathing room, I could start a business of my own.
And finally, what advice would you give to someone thinking about studying at UHI Perth?
The advice I would give to someone thinking about studying at UHI Perth is - are you unable to get what you want from life with your current level of education and opportunities in your area? If the answer is yes, consider studying with UHI.
The second crucial piece of advice is to make the most of it while you’re there. Be talkative, be inquisitive, talk to students and staff alike and don’t be worried about being seen as a fool. Everyone there is there to learn about something they are passionate about, just like you. One can only grow through experiences, mistakes and asking questions.
