After studying part-time while working, Nicole Cruden has graduated from RGU with a bachelors degree in mechanical and offshore engineering.
The 23-year-old completed her studies while juggling coursework with her full-time job with oil firm Baker Hughes.
She will now go on to pursue a career in the oil and gas industry.
Miss Cruden started her oil and gas journey by taking part in an apprenticeship and embarked on her studies with a part-time HNC, and subsequently an HND, with the North East Scotland College.
The New Pitslingo native then enrolled on the course at RGU, taking part in night classes to fit in with her work schedule.
The part-time, evening class engineering degree is aimed at students who have the potential and motivation to become competent professional engineers – but are unable to commit to full-time study.
Miss Cruden said: “The practical approach to teaching at RGU, combined with a lot of the lecturers having previous industry experience, allowed me to see exactly where each subject was relevant in the industry – and how I could apply this knowledge to my job role.”
The new graduate is already reaping the benefits of her hard work, as she has moved into a new role as a design engineer with Baker Hughes.
She added: “A career in oil and gas is so different from the general perception, it isn’t all hard hats and hi-vis jackets or working offshore.
“There are so many avenues, it is very exciting.”
