The Future U Team are pleased to welcome two new members to their outreach team who will offer an exclusive insight into what it is like to be a university student.
Having recently graduated, Shoaib and Udantha will help learners across Lancashire to consider the benefits and challenges of studying at Higher Education by sharing their own educational pathways. This student experience compliments Future U’s existing provision which offers a general overview of Higher Education, Degree Apprenticeships and Student Finance, and will allow learners to consider if university could be right for them and therefore help them make an informed choice about their future.
Udantha
Before deciding to attend university in the UK, Udantha studied at an international college in the Middle East.
As a first-generation university student, attending a UK university was a dream for both Udantha and his parents, and pursuing a career that could help change lives or living conditions was his motivation for choosing Mechanical Engineering as an undergraduate degree.
‘University was a challenge for me as I flew to the UK at 17, away from my comfort zone and had to forge new relationships whilst adapting to a different country. The pandemic was probably the biggest challenge by far though, it left me mentally in a dark place for a couple of years, but that challenge forced me to change and improve myself. I’m grateful to my peers and professors at university for offering the support when it was needed, it most definitely helped achieve the status of Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering with Hons, something I am extremely proud of.’
As well as his qualification, Udantha has found lifelong friends at university, ‘…there always seemed to be a buddy on my side, and I will cherish those memories for as long as I can.’ Following university, Udantha has found a new passion for teaching and academic work related to green energy and sustainability. He hopes that his graduate internship with Future U help to grow his transferable skills and ultimately lead him towards his future career goals.
‘I feel blessed to have this opportunity to engage directly with learners across Lancashire and hopefully help them unleash their hidden potential like I have through Higher Education. Engaging with learners today for a better future/tomorrow!’
Udantha
Before deciding to attend university in the UK, Udantha studied at an international college in the Middle East.
As a first-generation university student, attending a UK university was a dream for both Udantha and his parents, and pursuing a career that could help change lives or living conditions was his motivation for choosing Mechanical Engineering as an undergraduate degree.
‘University was a challenge for me as I flew to the UK at 17, away from my comfort zone and had to forge new relationships whilst adapting to a different country. The pandemic was probably the biggest challenge by far though, it left me mentally in a dark place for a couple of years, but that challenge forced me to change and improve myself. I’m grateful to my peers and professors at university for offering the support when it was needed, it most definitely helped achieve the status of Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering with Hons, something I am extremely proud of.’
As well as his qualification, Udantha has found lifelong friends at university, ‘…there always seemed to be a buddy on my side, and I will cherish those memories for as long as I can.’ Following university, Udantha has found a new passion for teaching and academic work related to green energy and sustainability. He hopes that his graduate internship with Future U help to grow his transferable skills and ultimately lead him towards his future career goals.
‘I feel blessed to have this opportunity to engage directly with learners across Lancashire and hopefully help them unleash their hidden potential like I have through Higher Education. Engaging with learners today for a better future/tomorrow!’
Shoaib
Shoaib attended both school and college in Lancashire, having studied at Pleckgate High School and then completed BTEC qualifications in IT and Law at Blackburn College. Going to university was not only a chance to follow in his older brother footsteps and pursue his dream of becoming a Police Officer, it was also a chance to become a student ambassador, experience student life and meet new people.
‘Throughout university and even before, I didn’t ever think I would be the person I am today. I was very shy and scared to experience new things, and so attending university was a challenge for me because I felt I was out of place. This changed when I became a student ambassador where I worked at schools, events and festivals to talk about my experience at university. I am now more confident in interviews, delivery of speeches and talking to groups of new people.’
Since completing his undergraduate degree, Shoaib has been working towards a postgraduate qualification in Cybercrime Investigations, with the hope of becoming a cyber detective. ‘I already had an existing desire to work with computers and this course combines this with my interest in policing. The programme will enhance my current knowledge, as-well practical skills, by interacting with software that practitioners use.’
By working as a graduate intern alongside his studies, Shoaib can fulfil his passion of working with young people and inspiring the next generation, ‘helping other succeed is important to me, I hope I can have a positive impact on the learners I work with at Future U!’
Shoaib
Shoaib attended both school and college in Lancashire, having studied at Pleckgate High School and then completed BTEC qualifications in IT and Law at Blackburn College. Going to university was not only a chance to follow in his older brother footsteps and pursue his dream of becoming a Police Officer, it was also a chance to become a student ambassador, experience student life and meet new people.
‘Throughout university and even before, I didn’t ever think I would be the person I am today. I was very shy and scared to experience new things, and so attending university was a challenge for me because I felt I was out of place. This changed when I became a student ambassador where I worked at schools, events and festivals to talk about my experience at university. I am now more confident in interviews, delivery of speeches and talking to groups of new people.’
Since completing his undergraduate degree, Shoaib has been working towards a postgraduate qualification in Cybercrime Investigations, with the hope of becoming a cyber detective. ‘I already had an existing desire to work with computers and this course combines this with my interest in policing. The programme will enhance my current knowledge, as-well practical skills, by interacting with software that practitioners use.’
By working as a graduate intern alongside his studies, Shoaib can fulfil his passion of working with young people and inspiring the next generation, ‘helping other succeed is important to me, I hope I can have a positive impact on the learners I work with at Future U!’
Get in touch 📩
Please contact us at Futureuadmin@uclan.ac.uk if you would like them to visit you in school or college.
Don't forget to follow us on socials.
