Your name: Niko
What course did you study at University Campus Oldham? BA Hons Graphic Design
Niko graduated with a Graphic Design BA (Hons) and is now on the Graphic Design Graduate Scheme at Ultimate Products.
Why did you choose University Campus Oldham?
I had done a six-month course in VFX (Visual Effects) in Manchester but hadn’t been happy with the course, so I decided to look at a Graphic Design course. I wanted something more local as travelling to Manchester hadn’t suited me. I was looking at the Graphic Design course at the University of Lancashire, but the campus was based in Preston, which was too far. I then found the Graphic Design course at Oldham and realised that it was accredited by the University of Lancashire, so I was able to get the same degree in Oldham but with lower tuition fees. I had a gut feeling and knew this was the right decision for me.
What were the highlight/stand out moments from your time at UCO?
I began my course at the start of COVID, so I didn’t get to go into University for months, which meant I wasn’t able to have the full experience at first, but I have to say the highlight was definitely the fantastic tutors who treated me as an equal and with respect. During my final year I had personal circumstances which made things more challenging and they were so flexible, so I was able to do some work from home. I was also given extra time to complete, due to these extenuating circumstances and through this I was able to achieve a First in my degree.
Did you receive support from other teams e.g. Academic Support, Wellbeing?
I received support from Careers, who went above and beyond what I expected and I would not have found and secured my role without the Careers support.
What are your next steps?
I wasn’t sure how I wanted to progress until recently, but now as well as brand design, I am working on moving towards more automation in the design processes. I have been finding ways to make things faster and easier and, in the process, have saved hours of business time. I have demonstrated initiative and flexibility by doing this alongside my role and it is not an area I would have thought of progressing into, but with this experience I am keen to explore where it could lead me in the longer term.
How has attending UCO helped you achieve your career goals?
UCO has helped me because I couldn’t have got on to the Graduate Scheme without a degree. I had noticed when I finished college how many of the roles I was interested in required a degree and UCO has made it more accessible and enjoyable to achieve.
What advice would you give to someone considering UCO?
Don’t be afraid to talk to people. The tutors and staff are really friendly and will help you. Even when I struggled with my own mental health during the course, the tutors helped me realise that I could do it and I was 100% capable of achieving. Always know there is someone to guide you and support you along your path.
