I have worked in the area of Further Education and Training (FET) for over 12 years. The Further Education and Training sector has experienced significant change over this time, with a period of unprecedented change following a challenging period of integration and reform.

In 2018, as part of a professional development initiative with NUI Galway and SOLAS, I undertook the Diploma in Business (Change Management). This was a part-time blended learning course developed by the Centre for Adult Learning and Professional Development specifically targeted at those who had leadership, managerial or supervisory responsibilities in FET. The course allowed me to further develop my knowledge and skills when addressing change management while also sharing experiences with other learners on the course. The positive experience and tremendous support provided on this course was the reason why I decided to continue my studies with NUI Galway and enrol on the MSc in Leadership Development in 2020.

I am currently in the first year of the MSc in Leadership course and have found it to be especially relevant to my current role. The course has challenged me to critically reflect on how to become a more effective leader. The course syllabus is varied and interesting covering a range of content from management skills development and effective leadership to critical thinking for leaders and leading organisational change. As the course content is delivered online with recorded lectures, it has afforded me the opportunity to work full time and study. I would very much conscribe to the belief that education and lifelong learning is a journey, where the journey is just as enjoyable as the destination. I would recommend this course as the journey it has brought me on has allowed me to develop both professionally and personally and I look forward continuing this journey.

Find out more about the Diploma in Change Management or the Postgraduate Certificate in Leadership Development. Applications are soon closing.