GCU degree experience leaves lasting impression on Ukrainian Graduate
A recent GCU Graduate is hoping to use her degree to help reshape the tourism industry in post-war Ukraine.
Valeriia Verkhovska decided to leave her home country in November 2022 to complete a Masters at GCU in International Tourism and Events Management.
“I came directly from Ukraine when the war started,” explained Valeriia.
“I had wanted to study abroad and have that chance to complete a Masters, and the situation in Ukraine definitely pushed me to do that.
“It’s a little bit grey here in Scotland – there is definitely more sunshine in Ukraine so I definitely appreciate when it’s nice weather here. The best bit about Scotland is the nature.”
She added: “I originally did my Bachelors degree in Management and it was almost a complete switch for me to come and do Tourism and Events. I was initially only interested in events but I found it interesting that GCU was the only place that offered tourism as well as events – you never know where you might end up in your career. It all ties in because events can help promote tourism in a country.”
Since arriving in Scotland, Valeriia has been keen to sample Scottish culture - and she got the chance when GCU hosted the World Solo Drumming Championships in October.
She said: “This was my first chance to experience an event in Scotland. What appealed to me was having that opportunity to volunteer within the events industry. Hands-on experience is so important and I want to take advantage of any opportunities that are open to me. The event itself is also very Scottish, which was something that appealed to me! There were obviously contestants from all over - everywhere from New Zealand to Canada.”
“My role was basically to make sure people had a smooth experience. We helped guests and contestants find their way through the University to different practice rooms. It wasn’t the first time GCU has hosted the event but people still needed to know where they were going. We also worked with Glasgow Life on the day and gave them any support they needed.
“It was nice seeing people dressed in their kilts – they were very fashionable and formal. There were lots of kids there too and when the results were announced it was really joyful to see the reaction of the children jumping and hugging their family. It was also sad though because there were kids upset that they hadn’t won.
“Even though you don’t know these people you still get the chance to feel these emotions, which is definitely a benefit to working in events.”
After graduating earlier this year, Valeriia is looking to the future and the possibility of making a positive impact in both Scotland and Ukraine through a role she recently secured with Glasgow Life.
“Glasgow Life approached our lecturer for two students to join the Glasgow Tourism Advisory Forum (GTAF), so I’m now representing the voice of students. We have a meeting this month where I’ll be talking about the challenges students face going into a career in the tourism industry. I think it will be very helpful to discuss how industry leaders can help students and graduates join the industry and close the gap between university and employment.
“I’m definitely less nervous now about volunteering. It’s really important for me at this stage to add experience to my CV. Let’s be honest, it is very difficult to get a job in events, so I’m hoping this role might lead me in the right direction.
Valeriia added: “I would like to stay in Scotland for a short time but my home is Ukraine. I’d like to find a job there and be with my family. My plan is to eventually go back and see what happens next.
“Ideally my plan would be to help revive tourism in Ukraine after the war. I don’t know how this would happen but my main focus is to get experience and develop my skills to work in the tourism industry in future.”
Find out more about GCU’s MSc International Tourism and Events Management course here
By Ross Clark
Got an SHLS or GSBS story? Email me at Ross.Clark@gcu.ac.uk or message me on Twitter