Nagiet
Business & Administration
Your name: Nagiet
What course did you study at University Campus Oldham? Business Management
Tell us about your UCO experience.
I attended University Campus Oldham as an adult learner in 2005/06, studying Business Management.
After completing a top-up year at a bigger university, I entered the world of work as a community teacher with Oldham Lifelong Learning. I delivered TalkEnglish courses to Oldham residents and co-ordinated other programmes, while teaching on the Level 4 & 5 Business Management at University Campus Oldham.
Having this experience behind me and having built good relationships at UCO and in the community motivated me to embark on a PGCE. Coming back to UCO to complete the PGCE was a natural decision – I didn’t want ‘be a number’, which is how I’d felt at the bigger university.
Having been a previous student at UCO, I felt comfortable turning to lecturers and library staff I’d studied under, who were now my colleagues, for help with academic writing and general support. The entire library helped me out, as did Michelle Whitehead, and many others. I enjoyed the supportive environment and really felt like part of a team.
The PGCE was a rollercoaster. I was adamant that I’d complete it, even though it was a challenge. Just like a rollercoaster, I was taken to the top and pushed – and I was off!
Since finishing my PGCE, I’ve progressed up the career ladder at UCO and I’m now Course Lead for Business & Management. I’m also completing a postgraduate course in Business Administration alongside my job.
The best thing about my role is the sense of community. I’m from Oldham, teaching the people of Oldham – I know where they’ve come from and why they want to be at UCO. It’s great to be able to relate to my students on that level.
My colleagues and I go the extra mile to support students and make them feel they are part of something special here. I make myself available 30 minutes before a lecture, just to chat, which I enjoy as much as my students do.
My advice to future UCO Alumni: no matter what your career throws at you, University Campus Oldham has your back – so grab every opportunity!
