The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Split experience with degree work
Inverness College graduate combined study with paid role at LifeScan, setting her up to land a promising career with the firm as scientist
An Inverness College UHI graduate has landed a promising career as a scientist at LifeScan just days after completing her studies.
Applicants would usually need a PhD to land such a role, but Gillian Smith impressed LifeScan with her academic ability, motivation and practical skills.
Gillian, from Inverness, recently completed the company’s undergraduate scheme, which saw her combine work at Lifescan with the University of the Highlands and Islands’ BSc (Hons) in bioscience, from which she graduated with a first-class degree.
The 26-year-old believes combining an academic qualification with workplace experience was the perfect mix.
“I’ve learned so much by combining my degree, and the knowledge and skills gained as part of that, with my experience working for a company like LifeScan,” said Gillian.
“I’ve had the support of fantastic lecturers and a network of professional mentors.”
Gillian worked at Inverness Airport after leaving secondary school, before deciding to return to study.
“We visited several local industries to get a feel for the range of career opportunities available to scientists in the local area,” she said.
“While on a visit to LifeScan, we were informed of their undergraduate programme.
“I realised it would be a great opportunity for me to gain experience in a relevant field, earn a wage and continue my studies with Inverness College UHI all at the same time.”
Gillian, who was named Inverness College UHI higher education student of the year for science, joined LifeScan at the start of her second year, combining four days of work with one day to attend
Inverness College UHI for lectures and tutorials.
Stuart Phillips, a senior scientist in research and development at LifeScan, said: “We’re looking for people who show promise and want to stay in Inverness and work in this industry.
“The university’s science degree is particularly appealing to us because it’s hands-on and practical.
“By combining it with the work experience we can provide, we ensure we have the right people with the right skills to hit the ground running at LifeScan.
“Gillian was a wonderful student and that’s testament to the position
she now has at LifeScan, which wouldn’t be generally offered to someone coming straight out of university.
“Usually a graduate would have to go through
our own two-year graduate programme before they could apply for Gillian’s job.”
Inverness College UHI currently offers formal graduate apprenticeships
in civil engineering and early learning and childcare, which allow people to work, earn and study up to degree level, with plans to expand this offering.