Megan Waugh BA Business Management

“From day one I knew I had made the right decision going to college, the level of support and opportunities available were amazing.”

In 2015 Megan was offered the chance to study at Clark College in Washington, USA, for a year on a full scholarship. The opportunity was the first of its kind to be brought to West Lothian College and gave one student the opportunity of a lifetime to study in the USA for a year.

“I studied what was the American equivalent of an HND in Business and I can honestly say it was one of the best years of my life!”

Clark College is located in the city of Vancouver in Southwest Washington and welcomes international students from around the world. West Lothian College Students were required to submit a two page essay detailing what they expected to gain from the experience as well as what they could bring to Clark College.

"The opportunity arose when my lecturer Beth Brownlee encouraged me to apply for the scholarship. I realised that it was a once in a lifetime opportunity so I applied not expecting anything to come of it.” Megan recalled “However the further I got the more real it became and when I was called for an interview and subsequently found out that I had been selected, I couldn’t believe it! I kept thinking to myself, this is crazy!”

“I can’t emphasise enough how much the experience helped me develop. Before I wouldn’t have said that I was shy but I didn’t really like talking in front of people. During my time at Clark I was asked to give a speech at a Burns Supper in front of a large group of people and I can definitely say now that public speaking doesn’t daunt me at all. Going to America has made me a much more assured person. I made really good connections and friends for life. I still speak to my American host family regularly and I definitely plan on returning.”

Megan returned to college a much more confident person to complete here studies which she wasted no time in throwing herself into.

“Through West Lothian College I was able to come back from an amazing year abroad and go straight into the third year of the BA Business Management degree with Edinburgh Napier University Business School. “

As an Edinburgh Napier University student, students can use the university’s resources and facilities, including the libraries, computer, sports and student union facilities. The course is taught at West Lothian College, so it suits those who prefer to study in the local area. Megan really enjoyed the chance to study a degree course within a college environment.

“Being able to complete third year at West Lothian College allowed me to be fully supported with amazing lecturers always on hand to answer questions.  The smaller classes made it much more comfortable. Whilst on the degree programme the college also assisted me in finding a summer internship which eventually led to full time employment. After finishing my honours degree at the Business School I was fortunate enough to get on the graduate programme in logistics and project management with a Danish multinational. Studying at West Lothian College helped me achieve my goal of a rewarding career and it is something I will always be grateful for.” 

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