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Nescol Graduations: Speed of change shocks accounting graduate

Margarita Ivanova graduated today. Image: Kenny Elrick / DC Thomson.
Margarita Ivanova graduated today. Image: Kenny Elrick / DC Thomson.

A graduate of Nescol’s HND accounting course admitted she is surprised at the speed at which her life has changed since applying to study full-time back in 2020.

Margarita Ivanova moved to Aberdeen from Bulgaria in 2015.

She started working in the hospitality industry, but knew she wanted to progress onto something new.

“I wanted a bit more from life,” she said.”

“I was keen to return to education to obtain a qualification that would be recognised by employers. Having been fairly good at maths at school and being interested in business, I thought HND accounting would be the best choice for me.”

Learning online: ‘Given me valuable skills’

Despite most of the two-year course being taught online due to the pandemic, Ms Ivanova said she enjoyed it and is proud to have graduated.

The 29-year-old said: “The course covers a really good mix of subjects, including IT, maths and a bit of law as well as accounting.

“This gives a good base on which to build knowledge in the future. Learning online was a challenge but it has given me valuable skills I can take forward into my career.”

Since completing her course in the summer, she has already started working as a business advisory trainee with Anderson Anderson & Brown LLP and will begin taking her professional accountancy exams next year.

‘Nescol has made a huge difference for me’

Ms Ivanova said: “If you’d have told me in 2020 that I would have completed my qualification and obtained a great job in just two years’ time, I wouldn’t have believed you but here I am.”

Nescol has made a huge difference for me and I would say to anyone considering retraining to just go for it – you’ll be surprised at what you can achieve and the difference it will make in a short time.”

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