University is life-changing experience for proud dad

21 July 2019

New life and career chapter beckons for motivated graduate

A determined student from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), who became a proud dad during the second year of his course, has graduated with flying colours. 

Aidan Meir, 29, from Chorley, achieved a first on the BA (Hons) International Business. And now all the late nights mixing childcare with study have paid off as in September he takes up a graduate position with a major energy provider.

The long road to success wasn’t an easy one for the UCLan alumnus who left school at 18 to work in the catering industry.    

Aidan explained: “I left school at 18 and started out washing dishes in the local pub. After a couple of years, I’d become a chef but then changed career direction to work in the customer services department at a call centre.”

"As a person I’ve developed hugely since coming to UCLan, it’s been a life-changing experience and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it."

For four years Aidan worked his way up the company gaining promotions but eventually hit a glass ceiling.

“I then landed a role working with senior management at a firm of solicitors and this made me realise I had the potential to go further,” he continued.

“I decided to take the plunge and apply to University and was accepted on UCLan’s BA (Hons) International Business at foundation level.

“The course gave me a taste for all aspects of business from accounting and marketing to business strategy and purchasing. The lecturing staff we really supportive and encouraged me all the way.”

Aidan certainly needed that support at the beginning of his second year when his wife gave birth to their first son.

“Getting up throughout the night to help with feeding and then studying during the day wasn’t easy but you get through it. I think I’m an example that if you want something enough anything is possible,” he said.

Aidan’s graduation has turned into a real family affair because his wife Elena also graduates this summer from Edge Hill University.

The couple are about to embark on an exciting new phase in their lives with a relocation to Reading having both landed graduate roles; Aidan as a trainee with Scottish and Southern Electric with his wife pursuing a teaching career.

“University has been a wonderful experience but we’re both really looking forward to the next chapter in our lives,” concluded Aidan. “As a person I’ve developed hugely since coming to UCLan, it’s been a life-changing experience and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.”