Originally from a precision engineering background, I worked for companies in both Canada and my native Northern Ireland. However, as the engineering industry in the UK declined, and after being made redundant for the third time, I decided to return to full-time education as a mature student in 2001 to facilitate a career change.Completing a Higher National Diploma in Computing with Certificate in Industrial Studies at the University of Ulster, I had been offered a place at Queens University Belfast on their BSc (Hons) Computing course... but on meeting my English girlfriend I decided instead to relocate to England in 2004 to do a BSc (Hons) Information Technology at the University of Worcester.Upon completion of my degree I sub-contracted for a short period before successfully applying for a job in the IT Department of the University of Worcester. A year later I applied for and was promoted to Senior IT Technician, and after another year was successful in my application for the role of IT Service Desk Manager which I currently hold. I will have been with the University three years in May 2009.
Name of HE Course Studied:BSc (Hons) Information Technology
What Year did you Complete your HE Course?2005
At Which College/University did you Study your Course? University of Ulster/University of Worcester
Why did you choose your programme of study?
To make possible a career change.
What were the best bits about your HE Course?
I enjoyed the University of Ulster HND as I felt I was genuinely accomplishing something and learning new skills. I especially enjoyed the fourteen month work placement I did with a software development house in Belfast during my second year - HNDs in Ireland typically take 3 years and honours degrees 4, as opposed to 2 years and 3 years respectively in England.
How has it made a difference to your work?
It has meant a complete change in career was possible, from mechanical engineering to IT.
How has your HE course changed your working practice?
It hasn't. I still like things to be done right first time (a carryover from my background in engineering), but I've learnt that isn't the case in Education and to be honest I refuse to succumb to the more "lackadaisical" work ethic I've so far encountered.
How has your employer or workplace benefited from you doing your HE Course?
They haven't. I completed my qualification as a means to getting my "foot in the door."
Have you gained a promotion, or changed job or role, as a consequence of doing the HE course?
Yes - engineering to IT, and as stated in point 13, I wouldn't have been able to even apply for my initial position with my current employer without my HE qualification.
Would you recommend HE study to your colleagues?
That depends what their goals are. Personally I needed at least a 2:1 degree to apply for the jobs I was after. That's why I returned to study. I wouldn't recommend anything just for the sake of doing it - there has to be purpose.
Have your or will you go on to a further course of study at HE Level?If so, which course have you/will you progress to?
Probably not, at least not in the immediate future. My career development now is better served by specialist training courses rather than additional academic qualifications. But... never say never, eh?
