Where are they now?
We caught up with some of our alumni to find out...
Are you UHI alumni?
Cameron Taggart
Studied: Construction Management HNC
Now: Operations Manager, GP Practice
I manage the daily operations of the practice, ensuring everything runs smoothly across both clinical and administrative functions. My role includes line managing a team of clinical administrators, overseeing rotas, coordinating communication with internal and external partners, and leading change management initiatives. I also carry out data quality audits to support safe, efficient, and compliant service delivery.
In 2022, I made a major career change into this sector, recognising that it aligned far better with my strengths and interests. Since then, I’ve continued to grow professionally, progressing into my current role through hard work, adaptability, and a commitment to developing my skills.
My biggest highlight so far has been finding a career I genuinely enjoy and being promoted into the position I hold today. Looking ahead, I’m excited about the opportunity to progress even further and continue building my experience in practice management.
Studying at UHI gave me a real confidence boost. Gaining a qualification is valuable in itself, even if you move into a different industry, and the experience helped me develop transferable skills and connect with a wide range of people. The best part of the course was learning alongside other students and forming friendships that supported me throughout my studies.
Georgia Rose Thomson
Studied: Mechanical and Electrical Engineering BEng (Hons)
Now: Electrical Engineer, RSE
I am an Electrical Engineer delivering projects for the water industry and the national grid. My work involves designing and implementing electrical systems that support essential infrastructure, ensuring that each project meets safety, efficiency, and regulatory standards.
After graduating from UHI Inverness in 2021, I purchased my first home and began my engineering career with Rybka, where I also completed a graduate placement and became a STEM ambassador. From 2022 to 2024, I moved to Edinburgh to work with Cundall as a fully-fledged engineer, travelling for international projects in Sweden and Kuwait. In 2024 I returned to the Highlands and joined RSE, where I now work on large-scale projects. I am also celebrating an exciting personal milestone — getting married.
My biggest career highlights include contributing to major local developments such as the Bught Stadium and Northern Meeting Park, as well as designing the electrical elements of the Bank of Kuwait Museum. Looking ahead, my goal is to become a chartered engineer and continue broadening my professional expertise.
My course at UHI gave me the technical foundation I needed to secure my first role and progress in the engineering industry. The best part of studying at UHI was the ability to study from home while saving money, allowing me to maintain a full-time job and build experience that put me ahead when I graduated.
John Frace
Studied: Business and Management (with Marketing) BA (Hons)
Now: MBE, Scotland Coronavirus Tracker
Between my graduation from UHI in 2022 and May 2023, I was living in Dunoon, volunteering at the local Oxfam shop and continuing to run the Scotland Coronavirus Tracker website that I had set up during the pandemic. In May 2023 I travelled to Windsor Castle to receive an MBE from the Princess Royal for my work on the tracker. After updating the website for the final time, I began travelling, something I had dreamed of for years.
I have since been on a cruise through Norway to the Arctic Circle, attended the Tomorrowland music festival in Belgium, and joined a group travelling from Nairobi to Cape Town, camping much of the way. I am now spending time in the USA and preparing for South America. That journey took me across every continent over the course of nearly two years. I was fortunate to experience everything from camping safaris in Africa and trekking in South America, to exploring temples in Asia and road trips through Oceania. Travelling so widely gave me the opportunity to see the world from many different perspectives.
The highlight of my career has been receiving an MBE for public health communications during Covid-19. Looking ahead, I want to settle in Scotland and build a career where I can best use my skills and experience, whether in data, marketing, or elsewhere.
My course at UHI gave me the skills I needed to create and run the tracker, including problem-solving, critical thinking, design principles, and clear communication. The support of the staff helped me keep everything going alongside my studies.
Mikki Girvan
Studied: Culture, Heritage & Politics BA (Hons)
Now: International Maritime Environmental Legal Policy & Strategy Assistant, The Ocean Race Summits
I am in the process of founding an environmental NGO called The Ocean Rights Coalition, working in cooperation with international and national NGOs. Although still in the early stages and awaiting charity status, we have been granted special accreditation to attend the United Nations Ocean Conference in 2025 in Nice, and we are in discussions about hosting a side event.
Since graduating from UHI I have pursued opportunities in law and environmental advocacy, including being admitted to Oxford for a legal conversion course, placing in national mooting competitions, and becoming involved with The Ocean Race.
A career highlight has been attending the UN General Summit in 2023 as a Legal Policy Assistant, where I contributed to the campaign for a UN Universal Declaration of Ocean Rights by 2030. Looking ahead, I aim to be called to the Bar of England and Wales and to work as an International Maritime Environmental Legal Policy and Strategy Associate with the United Nations.
My course at UHI was pivotal, giving me both the knowledge and the confidence to pursue these opportunities. Many of the concepts I studied have been directly applied to my UN work, and the belief of my lecturers in my potential was invaluable.
Jamie MacDonald
Studied: Gaelic and Related Studies DipHE
Now: Online Gaelic Teacher, Comunn Gàidhlig Thoronto
I am retired from full-time work but continue to teach Gaelic online and continue to publish books.
In 2009 I returned to university to retrain as a Nurse Practitioner specialising in psychiatry. After retiring at 70, I returned to Gaelic, both teaching and publishing. In June 2023 my book Na Trì Mathain was published in Nova Scotia, followed by A’ Chearc Bheag Ruadh in October 2023 and Na Trì Mucan Beaga in 2024.
A highlight of my career has been teaching at Saint Francis Xavier University and publishing nine books in Gaelic, with two more in progress. I hope to continue both teaching and publishing.
Studying at UHI strengthened my writing skills and gave me the opportunity to read, speak, and write Gaelic. This was invaluable both for my teaching and for my work as an author.