education & business 15
It’s never too late for a business degree from Portsmouth University
David Graham set himself the goal of obtaining a Masters degree by the time he was 40 so he could reach the promised land of high salaries, fast cars and tropical holidays. Aged 37, Graham is now a third of the way through a Masters in Project Management and Leadership at the University of Portsmouth Business School, and well on track to gain the qualification in time for his milestone birthday
Graham has spent over 10 years working in the IT industry and in that time has dealt with hundreds of different companies. Despite being very experienced and knowledgeable about the IT sector he found that he didn’t fully understand the business challenges companies sometimes faced. He approached his manager at Taylor Made Computer Solutions who agreed that as long as he could find a relevant course, he would be supported with time off to study.
Graham said: “I approached Portsmouth Business School to find out which courses might be appropriate for my needs and discovered the part-time three year Foundation Degree in Business and Management was ideal. The qualification is nationally recognised and wasn’t too expensive, which was crucial, as I was self-funding. I also knew it would be a good springboard for further study.
“I felt I knew quite a lot already so at first I thought the course would be a breeze but I didn’t and it wasn’t! It cemented some of my previous knowledge but was still challenging enough to keep me stimulated throughout.
“The course really gave me the ability to talk more confidently to business owners about all aspects of their operations rather than just IT issues. Conversations would often stray off into debate about cashflow or human resource issues. Meeting my fellow students each week at the University was often like group counselling sessions – although this might sound cheesy it really gave us the opportunity to thrash out business problems and discuss the best solutions.“
Once he had finished the Foundation Degree, and taking all of his work experience into consideration, he was offered a place on the Masters in Project
completing a Masters in Project Management and Leadership, which he is also self-funding. These courses are designed specifically for the busy working professional with as little disruption as possible to a student’s employment whilst also making an effective contribution to their organisation.
To find out more about courses offered at the Portsmouth Business School come along to the next postgraduate open evening on Thursday July 7, 2011.
Details:
www.sharpenyour
competitiveedge.com
David Graham
Management and Leadership and after discussions with his wife and employer that is exactly what he decided to do.
He said: “I knew that if I didn’t go for it now I would miss my own deadline, which I set over 10 years ago! The content and structure of the Masters can’t be faulted and there are some superb people on the course. I hadn’t quite anticipated the difference in level between the two degrees but the more effort required the more I am determined to pass.
“I’ve always had an aspiration to improve myself through education and am so glad I’ve followed this path. I can guarantee anyone thinking of undertaking part-time education will see great improvements in what they can confidently apply to their role and their employers will also see the benefits as well – it really is quite astounding.“
Graham studied part-time for a Foundation Degree in Business and Management, which was delivered in partnership with his employer so that elements of his work could be incorporated into his learning. He is now
THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – SOLENT & SOUTH CENTRAL – MAY 2011
Our part-time Business & Management Degree is designed for busy working people and is available from several colleges across the region and from the University of Portsmouth.
It is open to those who may not have formal qualifications but whose work experience will have prepared them to succeed.
To find out more, come along to our next open evening - for details see
www.sharpenyourcompetitiveedge.com
port.ac.uk/busandman
bus.admissions@
port.ac.uk 023 9284 8200
www.businessmag.co.uk
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