Harald Benning graduated from RGU with a degree in purchasing and supply chain management yesterday.
The 53-year-old, who is originally from the Netherlands but lives in Drumoak, explained that the downturn in the oil industry left him with a lack of career opportunities.
He decided to embark on a postgraduate degree to help build on his existing skills in the sector.
Mr Benning said: “Instead of staying at home I decided to pursue a degree in a field that would enhance my skill set, which it has.
“I’m currently assisting a company with creating and implementing a contracting strategy for an integrated drilling services project.
“Had I not pursued this degree, I might not have been selected by the company for the project.”
Mr Benning said he had “no qualms” before reentering university as a mature student.
He said: “I’d been working for 30 years, and I truly wish I’d done another degree sooner.
“In my job, corporate management has been a huge part of day to day activities but I’ve never had formal qualifications pertaining to the subject.
“Doing the course has changed my own perspective of project management as a whole, it certainly added an additional dimension to my experience.
“It was interesting to do this course as a mature student, and sharing lecturers with people who are starting their careers.
“I hope that I was a positive influence.”
Mr Benning will continue his career as a drilling manager and implement the skills he has learnt over the last two years.