Two inseparable friends enjoyed a double celebration when they graduated from Robert Gordon University yesterday in the same way they began nursery almost two decades ago.
Side by side.
The best friends from Aberdeen took to the stage to collect honours degrees in Management with Marketing at a ceremony at His Majesty’s Theatre.
The best mates, Katie Robbie and Rosie Hislop, both 22, have shared “many memories” over the years, while going through nursery, primary school and secondary school together.
The former Westhill Academy pupils wanted to go to university to further their skills and prospects and to pursue successful careers in a field they both enjoyed during secondary school.
Miss Robbie’s interest in marketing began while studying Business Management at school and grew through her experiences on work experience, all of which led her to look into her options at RGU.
She said: “I was driven to study this particular course, as it provided an array of opportunities to study diverse topics within marketing, which would prepare me for future employment.
“Another big factor in influencing my decision was the positive encouragement I received from friends who had previously taken the course and spoke highly of their experiences.”
Looking back on her time as a student, Miss Robbie revealed her biggest highlight had been the new people she had met, which went a long way to helping her reach her goals.
She added: “I’ve been fortunate enough to meet and work with so many great people, making friends for life who completed their degrees alongside me. The support from the university has also been invaluable and I would not have been able to achieve the results I’ve had without all of these people making university such a positive experience.”
Similar to her friend, it was Rosie Hislop’s interest in Business Management at school that led her to pursue marketing as a career choice and she was keen to link up with like-minded people.
Miss Hislop said: “Marketing with Management became really attractive to me, as I saw it as the best course where my interests could lead me into different creative avenues. I was also keen to able to meet and engage with new people who share my passion and interests.
“Over the past few years, I’ve found that there is such a great team spirit within RGU. Everyone is so supportive of one another, particularly as the exams get closer and the nights in the library get longer, and it became such an inspiration seeing everyone come together.”
While her graduation marks a significant achievement and milestone for Rosie, it is not the end of her time at RGU.
She said: “After taking part in two placements during my course, I discovered a passion for the digital side of marketing and decided I wanted to further my qualifications. So, this September, I’ll be back in the library and lecture halls with fresh enthusiasm, studying for a Masters in Digital Marketing.”
Looking back on their shared lifelong journey, the girls agree that they have always been there for each other.
Miss Robbie said: “We’ve shared so many memories together over the years, in and out of class, and I’m delighted we’ll continue our lives on similar career paths.”
