Profiles – WEST | Alumni Blog

Shaping Strategy, Driving Change: Meet Alumna Kirsty Gaudet

1Jul

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Shaping Strategy, Driving Change: Meet Alumna Kirsty Gaudet

In this alumni profile we speak to Kirsty Gaudet, an accomplished senior executive with extensive experience in global operations, strategic planning and sales enablement based in Switzerland. Lanarkshire born Kirsty graduated in 2000 with a BA (Hons) in Business Economics. Kirsty Gaudet BA (Hons) Business Economics (2000) Could you tell us a bit about your current role with Nexthink? I am the Revenue Operations strategic business partner for EMEA at Nexthink, a high growth SaaS company. In practical terms, my role is about driving growth through strategic planning for sales and other go to market teams, and continuous improvement through data, process and technology. It's a role that spans teams and combines strategy and execution, which keeps things interesting - no two days loo...

25May

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Alumni Interview: David McFadden

In this alumni interview we speak to the newest member of University of the West of Scotland’s Fundraising & Alumni Team, David McFadden. Trust and Foundations Manager David, who graduated from UWS in 2011, tells us about his career in fundraising and his new role at UWS. David McFadden BA (Hons) Business Studies & International Marketing (2011) Can you tell us a bit about your time at the University - what you studied and why you chose UWS? I studied Business Studies and International Marketing at UWS and graduated in 2011. I’m local - I was born in Paisley and grew up in Erskine - so UWS always felt like a natural choice for me. It was close to home, but more importantly, it felt accessible and grounded. It felt like somewhere I could grow, build confidence, and prope...

30Apr

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Alumni Interview: Melanie Smyth

In this alumni interview we speak with Melanie Smyth, a proud adult nursing graduate from UWS Ayr Campus, who has built an impressive career beyond traditional clinical practice. Now serving as Senior Director of Clinical Operations at hVIVO in London, Melanie reflects on her journey from the wards to senior leadership. Melanie Smyth BSc Adult Nursing 2008 Looking back, what originally inspired you to study nursing and why did you choose UWS? I've always seen nursing as more than just a ‘job’ - it's something in you, I genuinely believe it’s something you’re born with. I carry my nursing values with me everywhere, not just at work but also in my personal life. I chose UWS mainly because it had a great reputation and was close to my parents’ house, which made things easier while I ...

29Apr

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Alumni Interview: Amanda Hursy

In this alumni interview we speak to comedian and writer Amanda Hursy, whose sharp observations have helped her build a growing reputation on the comedy circuit. Amanda graduated from the BA (Hons) Psychology and Sociology degree at UWS. Photo: Amanda Hursy, BA (Hons) Psychology and Sociology (2009) Can you tell us a bit about what you’re doing now? I am working up material for my new stand up hour called ‘Death of a Saleswoman’ that will be on at the Gilded Balloon Patter House this Edinburgh Fringe. It's a new show about masking in the corporate sales world for over 20 years and accidentally becoming a comedian. I am also building up my own business which is launching this year and have already been booked for huge civic events such as the Commonwealth games - so it's an exci...

20Feb

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UWS Graduate is All In For Glasgow 2026

As a University of the West of Scotland (UWS) Sport Graduate, Gary Grieve has always had a passion for supporting sport in communities, believing that it can be transformative in young peoples' lives and a force for good. His career has taken him to Copenhagen, London, Loughborough and now, Glasgow. Here he tells us how he's All In for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. How did studying at UWS prepare you for a career in the Sport Industry? My course had a variety of modules including Event Management, Sports Development, Sports Coaching and Sports Tourism, to name a few. The variety of modules provided me with a greater understanding of the wider sport, physical activity, culture and health sectors whilst also getting hands on experience. As part of my course, I complet...

14Nov

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Alumni Interview: ES David

In this interview we speak to alumnus and author E.S. David, who is releasing his debut novel - The Trials of Aqouril – a coming-of-age story that delivers heart and high stakes when a teen discovers hidden powers. When she is suddenly transported to the enthralling world of Aqouril, sixteen-year-old Erica discovers an extraordinary ability to control water - an ancient power that marks her for something far greater than she ever imagined. To master her gift and uncover the secrets of Aqouril, Erica must face a series of harrowing trials that test her courage, strain her friendships, and push her to her limits. Ewen David with his novel The Trials of Aqouril Ewen, 31, who hails from Lanarkshire and graduated with a Postgraduate Diploma in Careers Guidance at UWS, has a passion for...

26Jun

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Alumni Interview: Mohammed Salihu

In this interview we speak to alumnus and poet Mohammed Salihu, who has published his debut collection of poetry, Voices from the Soil: Wounds and Wisdom. Tell us about the book and how it came about? Voices from the Soil: Wounds and Wisdom came from a deeply personal place. I started writing the poems as a way to process the loss of my father. At the time, I didn’t have the words to express what I was feeling, but poetry became a safe space for me to let it all out. As time passed, I realised that my poems often reflected where I was in my grief journey. When I was hurting, they were heavy. But as I began to heal, my writing shifted into something more hopeful and filled with gratitude. The book explores grief, memory, cultural identity, and resilience. It's not just about los...

Alumnus Named in the Top 10 Australian Franchise Executives

29May

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Alumnus Named in the Top 10 Australian Franchise Executives

A University of the West of Scotland (UWS) graduate has been named number 9 in the Top 30 Franchise Executives Report that showcases exceptional individual performance by Australia’s franchisor professionals. UWS Computer Animation graduate John McDougall is the Marketing and AI Manager at Think Water, an international franchise group made up of independent locally owned and operated businesses located throughout Australia and New Zealand who specialise in delivering innovative and sustainable irrigation, pumping, filtration and water treatment solutions. John’s recent focus has been on driving commercial success through the development and implementation of a pioneering AI solution. John commented: “I’m grateful (and very excited!) to be listed in this year’s Top 30 Franchise...

20May

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Alumni interview: Ian Young

Alumnus Ian Young, now Director of Development at Parkland Communities in the United States, tells us a little about his career, moving from the Highlands to Paisley to study Civil Engineering in 1989. Ian Young BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering (1993) Tell us about your time at the University and how a lad from Dingwall ended up in Paisley. I chose Paisley College (now UWS) because the BEng Civil Engineering course allowed work placement. I studied for 6 months and then worked May-August getting real life work experience. I wanted to move south from the Highlands, back then Glasgow was the big city! I had a great time at Paisley. Weather could be rough, but you got used to it and the accommodation was a lot different when I was there, but that was all part of the experience. The f...

25Apr

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Alumni Interview: Hannah Cochrane

In this alumni interview we hear from 2017 graduate Hannah Cochrane who is Sales & Business Development Manager at Scottish Event Campus (SEC) in Glasgow. Tell us about your time at the University and your initial career plans. When exploring career options as a young adult I found myself gravitating towards Education, following my mum into the industry that she has loved for over 25 years. As a young person, I found it difficult to decide on my career path. At 16, I had part-time jobs in local hospitality venues, which I absolutely loved. However, I noticed that hospitality as a profession at that time, wasn’t as well represented as other industries at careers fayres. With my interests lying in Communication, English, and Creativity, I chose to pursue Early Education, with t...