At 39 years old, Karola Pribranszki’s passion and determination, coupled with the opportunities provided by college, paved the way for her successful career and bright future in accounting.
Originally from Hungary, Karola and her family moved to Scotland in January 2020. With the Covid-19 lockdown making it difficult to find work or gain experience, she saw the opportunity to focus on furthering her education.
Karola said, “I didn’t come to college straight from school,” Karola explains. “The lockdown period was challenging, but it ultimately gave me the chance to pursue my college degree and invest in my future.”
Moving to a new country at such a crucial time prompted her to reflect on her career path, and she found that accounting aligned with both her passions and the skills she wanted to develop. Initially enrolling in the NC Accounting and then the HNC course, it offered the perfect combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Karola said, “I wanted to be well-prepared for the job market.”
During her studies, Karola found immense value in the hands-on learning approach. She particularly enjoyed applying theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios and found the support of her lecturers to be instrumental in her success.
The lecturers brought so much industry knowledge into the classroom, making the learning experience engaging and relevant, she recalls.
“The course also encouraged critical thinking and creativity, which helped me grow both academically and personally.”
However, the journey was not without its challenges. Adjusting to a new academic system while navigating the uncertainties of a global pandemic was no easy feat. “It wasn’t easy at first,” Karola admits. “But I learned how to manage my time better and adapt to online learning.
It taught me resilience and the importance of seeking support when needed.
Since completing her course, Karola has successfully transitioned into the finance industry and now works as a Finance and Corporate Services Officer at Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau. Her journey into this role began while she was still a student when one of her lecturers recommended her for a volunteering position as a finance administrator. “That opportunity was invaluable,” she shares.
It helped me gain experience and build professional connections.
"I feel especially lucky to now work alongside my former lecturers, who are board members of the organisation.”
Her dedication and work ethic stood out, and when a full-time position became available, she was offered the job. Karola credits her qualification for preparing her for the role, but she emphasises the importance of the hands-on experience and networking she gained during her studies.
My qualification definitely helped, but the experience I gained as a volunteer and the connections I built played a key role in securing the job.
Looking to the future, Karola aims to continue advancing in the finance sector, taking on more strategic and leadership responsibilities. She plans to expand her skills through further professional development and certifications. “My goal is to contribute to the growth and success of my organisation while also exploring new opportunities that challenge me and allow me to grow.”
Reflecting on her college experience, Karola describes it as “a transformative journey that not only equipped me with valuable knowledge and skills but also opened doors to incredible opportunities and lifelong connections.”
Beyond her own success, Karola takes pride in knowing that her journey has inspired her younger sister and brother, both of whom have now enrolled in the same accounting course she completed.
It’s rewarding to see how my experience has influenced my family,” she says proudly. My sister is now studying HND Accounting, and I couldn’t be prouder of her.