Kate Wolska is proof that with the right mindset and dedication, you can achieve your goals.

She successfully completed HND Accounting, whilst working in administration and looking after her daughter, Nicola.

Originally from Poland, 38-year-old Kate has lived in Scotland for 16 years. When she came to Aberdeen, she worked in a range of jobs before she took up an administration role at Fairview House Care Home.

This is what led Kate to NESCol, where she started the Business, Accounting & Administration course. Accounting wasn’t Kate’s initial career choice, but she thought that some knowledge of accountancy would be beneficial to her as an administration professional.

It was through the encouragement of her tutors that she decided to go down the accountancy route and study for her HNC.

Juggling life, childcare and College

Kate faced some difficulties outside of College while she studied, including issues with childcare.

She said: “I completed my HNC and achieved an A – this was quite tough as I had other things going on in my life. I have no family in Aberdeen, and I couldn’t get a childminder.

“It was hard to go back to education as I had last studied about 20 years ago.”

Kate looked for a job after her HNC but faced more challenges with childcare. She moved to an Accounts Assistant role with William Wilson, who were very flexible with her working arrangements, and this allowed her to return to NESCol to do her HND.

She said: “I managed to achieve my HND in Accounting. I was always on time with my work, and this built my confidence. My lecturer was amazing, she was there for me through the ups and downs.

“I was from a different generation to some of the other students so that could be hard, but the lecturers and College supported me.”

MHA Excellence in Accounting Award

As well as achieving another A in her HND, Kate had an amazing 100% attendance. This was especially impressive as she was juggling motherhood, working and studying.

Kate graduated from NESCol on 1 October 2024 at the Music Hall in Aberdeen. She was selected as this year’s winner of the MHA Excellence in Accounting award, which highlighted Kate’s outstanding achievements and dedication to her studies.

She said: “When I found out about the award I said, “Is it really for me?” I didn’t believe it! When I was at school in Poland, I didn’t achieve much.”

Family support

The people who have supported Kate and helped her achieve her HND were by her side on the day of graduation.

Her partner, friend and daughter were joined by Kate’s brother, who had travelled up from Manchester to see her graduate.

She said: “Without my partner and the support of my family and friends, this would have been a lot harder.

“My daughter is so proud of me. I’m doing it for her, to show her if you want it, you can do it now for tomorrow.”

Before receiving her award, Kate coincidentally found out she had secured a job with MHA two days after her interview. She completed her induction in Birmingham at the end of August and has been settling into her role as an Audit and Accounts Junior.

Kate’s advice to future students

Kate’s current focus is getting to grips with this new job and life the office. In the future, she would be interested in specialising in forensic accountancy.

Her advice to prospective and current students is to ask for help if you need it, and that your hard work today will pay off in the future.

She said: “I thought I just had to get on with it. I was scared to ask for help, but the lecturers said you don’t need to struggle.

“If you are struggling, speak up and don’t sit on it.”