Natasha Kachaku, 22 from Uganda
IT student Natasha Kachaku made the trip to Scotland back in January 2004 and enrolled at Reid Kerr with the aim of gaining as much experience in Computing as she possible could. Almost 3 years on, she has gained a number of National qualifications at College and has high hopes for her future.
"My cousin studied Computing at Reid Kerr and following her success my mum was keen for me to come to Scotland and enrol for a similar course. After finishing school in Uganda, I travelled to Scotland and enrolled at Reid Kerr to study an NC Access to Information Technology, which I studied full-time for 1 year. The course was ideal and just what I wanted to do, I returned later that year to study for the HNC & HND Computing: Technical Support."
Natasha lived locally while at College and has tried to make the most of her stay in Scotland visiting local towns and cities during her time off College.
"Scotland is a lovely place although it took me a while to get use to the change in temperature! The staff and fellow students have made me feel very welcome with the International Officer at Reid Kerr being a great support during my studies."
Natasha is currently taking part in the Scottish Executive's Fresh Talent scheme launched in 2005. The scheme allows students to apply to stay and work in Scotland for two years after the end of their course without the need for a work permit. Natasha works for a retail outlet in Glasgow and aims to continue with the scheme until the summer of 2007. She hopes to secure a job with national computing giants Dell or Compaq.
"I have applied for a place at Glasgow Caledonian University starting Sept 2007 where I hope to continue with my education and study for a BSC Technical Support. My long-term goal is to complete a Masters Degree at University and before I return to Uganda, gain further experience in the Computing Industry. When I do return home, I hope to secure a position working with the phone companies or new businesses in my country.
I believe that everything I have learned at College and my future training will be the key to my career success into the future."