Student Spotlight – Melody Richmond
“One of my biggest achievements has been my personal development and the confidence I have gained throughout my time at UHI Perth. Since starting the course, I have pushed myself out of my comfort zone, taken on new challenges, and made the most of the opportunities available to me.”
Not everyone follows a straight path into higher education. After working in the hospitality industry and gaining valuable frontline experience, Melody returned to education to build her skills and qualifications. Now in her third year of the BA (Hons) Hospitality Management degree, Melody reflects on the opportunities, achievements and experiences that have shaped her journey so far.
Can you introduce yourself?
My name is Melody, and I am 23 years old. I am from a small village in Kinross-shire, Scotland.
What course are you studying at UHI Perth, and what year are you currently in?
I originally joined UHI Perth in 2020 during the COVID-19 Pandemic and completed the HNC in Childhood Practice. I decided that career path was not for me and spent time working in cafés and small hotels. In 2024, I returned to UHI Perth to study HNC Hospitality Operations. After successfully completing the course, I progressed onto the BA (Hons) Hospitality Management degree, and I am now in my third year of study.
How did you hear about UHI Perth?
I first heard about UHI Perth when I was leaving high school and looking at my options for further education. Later, when I decided to return to study, I heard more about UHI Perth through social media and recommendations from friends, which encouraged me to apply and continue my education there.
What were you doing before you came to UHI Perth?
Before coming to UHI Perth, I was working in a small hotel in Edinburgh, where I worked as a Receptionist, Waitress, and Barista.
Why did you decide to pick this course?
I chose this course because I felt like many of my friends were graduating from university and getting “real jobs,” while I was working long shifts and wasn't sure what I wanted to do in the future. Since I was already working in hospitality, I wanted to gain qualifications that would build on my existing skills, open more career opportunities, and help me progress within the industry.
What is your favourite thing about the course?
My favourite thing about the course, is how supported I feel. The staff genuinely want students to succeed, and there are so many opportunities I have been given to learn and grow. I've also made great connections with both lecturers and classmates, which has made the experience even more enjoyable.
Have you undertaken a placement or work experience whilst at UHI Perth?
I am currently working within the hospitality industry alongside my studies. During my HNC year, I joined one of Edinburgh’s newest 5-star luxury hotels, working in the cocktail lounge.
As part of my second year, I completed the mandatory placement module. Through my role at the hotel, I was given the opportunity to complete my placement within the marketing department. This allowed me to gain experience, within back of house operations. It was an invaluable experience, and one that I do not believe I would have had the opportunity to undertake without the placement module being part of the course.
Has there been any standout/memorable moments from your course?
There have been so many memorable moments throughout my course, that it is difficult to choose just one. Some of the highlights include our HNC trip to London; winning a Gold Award at the ScotHot Mixology Competition; and being awarded a scholarship to attend a four-day trip to Lausanne, Switzerland, where I had the opportunity to visit one of the world's leading hospitality schools.
More recently, I was awarded the UHI Perth Scholarship Fund, which is supporting me as I work towards my WSET Level 2 Award in Wines qualification. These opportunities have helped me develop both personally and professionally, giving me experiences that I never imagined I would have when I first started my journey at UHI Perth.
What knowledge, skills and experience have you gained from your course that will help you when you leave UHI Perth?
Throughout my time at UHI Perth, I have gained a wide range of knowledge, skills, and experiences that will support me in my future career. The course has covered a variety of interesting and relevant modules, helping me develop my understanding of hospitality operations, management, marketing, and customer experience.
The course has helped me develop strong communication, teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, and customer service skills, while also allowing me to build industry connections and gain practical experience, that will benefit me after I graduate.
How have you found the style of teaching, and the support you have received from your lecturers?
I have really enjoyed the style of teaching at UHI Perth. The course is engaging, the modules are relevant to the industry, and it has made learning both interesting and enjoyable. Lecturers are incredibly supportive, approachable, and always willing to help. Their industry experience gives us valuable insights into the realities of the industry. I honestly do not think I could have asked for better support throughout my studies.
Any other achievements you have gained on your journey?
One of my biggest achievements has been my personal development and the confidence I have gained throughout my time at UHI Perth. Since starting the course, I have pushed myself out of my comfort zone, taken on new challenges, and made the most of the opportunities available to me.
More recently, I started a new role in Reception and Reservations at the hotel where I work, having previously worked within the Food and Beverage department. This has given me a completely new perspective on hotel operations, allowing me to work behind the scenes with larger reservations, learn how to use our reservation system: SevenRooms, and work closely with a range of different departments. I have really enjoyed the variety the role offers and the opportunity to gain a broader understanding of how a hotel operates as a whole. It has been both exciting and rewarding, and for the first time in a long time, I genuinely look forward to going to work each day and continuing to develop my skills within the industry.
What do you like about the campus/facilities?
As a student, I like that the campus is clean, welcoming, and easy to get around. There are good facilities available, including the gym and sports centre. For hospitality students, having access to fully functioning kitchens and a training restaurant is a huge benefit, as it gives us the chance to gain practical experience as part of the course. It helps bring what we learn in lectures to life and gives us a better understanding of the industry.
Have you enjoyed studying at UHI Perth? Any highlights?
I’ve really enjoyed my time at UHI Perth and I’m looking forward to the next year of my degree. There have been lots of highlights along the way, including our trip to London, competitions, completing my placement and visiting Lausanne through a scholarship opportunity. More than anything, I’ve enjoyed the opportunities the course has given me, the people I’ve met, and seeing how much I’ve grown both personally and professionally since returning to study.
Do you have any hobbies or other interests, outside of your work and studies?
I’m currently working towards my WSET Level 2 Award in Wines, which has been an interesting experience alongside my studies. When I’m not working or studying, I enjoy reading, catching up with friends, spending time with family, and making the most of my free time whilst balancing work and studying.
What are your career goals and plans?
At the moment, I’m really enjoying my current role and am looking forward to seeing where it takes me. Working in different areas of hospitality has given me a better understanding of the industry and opened my eyes to opportunities I hadn’t considered before.
In the long term, I’d love to open my own business, ideally a coffee shop that transforms into a wine and cocktail bar in the evening. It’s something I’m passionate about, and I’d like to continue gaining experience and developing my skills before taking that step in the future.
And finally, what advice would you give to someone thinking about studying at UHI Perth?
My advice would be, to just go for it. Apply for the course, speak to staff and current students, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. UHI Perth offers a lot of opportunities, but you get the most out of the experience when you put yourself out of your comfort zone and get involved. Looking back, returning to study was one of the best decisions I made, and I’m glad I took the chance.
