Serhii Haiteniuk
Student of the Year Award
A new chapter in business
Returning to education after many years of professional experience was a big step for Serhii. He chose to study an HNC Business at Ayrshire College to gain a recognised Scottish qualification, update his existing knowledge and better understand the UK and Scottish business environment.
His time at college gave him the opportunity to connect his previous professional experience with new knowledge and skills, while building his confidence as he works towards the next stage of his career in Scotland.
Adapting to a new education system
One of Serhii’s proudest achievements was adapting to the Scottish college system, which was completely new to him.
From understanding assessment requirements and academic expectations to completing assignments and his Graded Unit exam, he embraced the challenge with curiosity, persistence and the support of his lecturers.
His experience taught him that age is just a number and that it is never too late to learn something new or take on a new challenge.
Making the most of his experience
Serhii particularly enjoyed the course’s focus on the UK and Scottish business environment, including legislation, marketing and accounting.
Being able to connect what he was learning with his previous professional experience made his studies particularly valuable and helped him develop a deeper understanding of how business operates in Scotland.
He also valued the support of his lecturers, particularly Fiona, who he describes as supportive and encouraging throughout his journey.
What's next?
For Serhii, completing his HNC is not the end of his learning. He hopes to move into employment where he can combine his previous professional experience with the new knowledge and skills he has gained at college.
Looking further ahead, he wants to continue developing his skills in software development and finance, take on greater responsibility and contribute to projects that make a meaningful impact.
Serhii's advice
Figure why you need it, focus on it, and move towards your goal.
Serhii encourages anyone considering college to be clear about what they want to achieve and to approach their studies with consistency and commitment.
His own journey has been challenging, involving and successful — and, as Serhii puts it, this is just the beginning:
To be continued... ;)