Where are they now?

Alice Mainland

Studied: BA (Hons) History and MLitt History of the Highlands and Islands

Now: Heritage Youth Worker, Rousay, Egilsay and Wyre Development Trust

"Since graduating I have continued to live and work in Orkney, my home island. I run weekly youth club sessions for primary and secondary children to spark their interest in heritage and history, with a focus on Rousay and Orkney.  I also work as a waitress/housekeeper at The Taversoe Hotel, and have started my own baking business called Brinian Bakes!"

Biggest career highlight: "Being able to use the skills and knowledge I gained during my degrees in my role as a youth worker, to educate and interest the younger generation in history and the past."

Future aspirations: "To continue living and working in Orkney and be heavily involved in the local community and events. Also to keep promoting local heritage and history and safeguarding this information for the future."

How did your course at UHI help you to get where you are: "I was able to stay at home in Orkney and continue to be involved with the local community, which enabled me to get a job on the island and set up my own business.  The course also gave me a great knowledge of a variety of historical topics and the analytical and research skills which have been invaluable."

Best thing about studying at UHI: "Gaining qualifications without having to move away to study and of course the amazing lecturers at the Centre for History, who all have a great breadth of knowledge and were always so helpful and supportive."

Dr Joanna Storie

Studied: MSc Managing Sustainable Rural Development

Now: Senior lecturer and research coordinator, Estonian University of Life Sciences

"I am now in the landscape architecture department. I lecture on the bioeconomy and nature-based solutions to Estonian bachelor students (in English) and strategic local planning to international and Erasmus students. I have spent time helping with the reorganisation of our master programme and now will be focussed on increasing the research focus of our department.

My husband and I also have an alpaca farm in Latvia - he mainly runs that of course, but I help!" 

Key milestones from graduation to now: "Gaining my PhD in 2020."

Biggest career highlight: "Finally getting my PhD after 7 years of research following my Masters."

Future aspirations: "To improve the research output from our department."

How did your course at UHI help you to get where you are: "I started off with the Open University, which was fine but UHI really helped me dive deeper into the research. As an online course it certainly prepared me for the COVID era. I am not young, but I was well prepared for the challenges."

Best thing about studying at UHI: "The knowledge gained and ability to do research has been enhanced through the studies at UHI.  I often cite this as an example of how low density areas do not need to be left out - one day more low populated countries will catch the vision. "