Student profiles
The following case studies are from our current students and alumni:
Eddie Johnson
Background
'To be honest, I first went to university as an undergraduate in 1992 without knowing how I might use the degree that I was studying. I did it because it seemed sensible at the time, but I had no career direction. This course has been the first academic study that I have done that has been directly relevant to my work and I can clearly see how I can use it.
I took on a new job in 2006 in with the council in Windsor. I had been asked for the first time to carry out work that had a more strategic focus than the mainly operational work that I had previously undertaken.'
Why did you choose the University of Reading?
'The course at the University of Reading really appealed to me because it gives the building blocks to become a more rounded manager. My management experience was limited to daily, hands on operational work. I now feel better prepared to take a lead in developing council policy, understand the strategic direction of local and central government and plan projects.
I think I had reached a point in my career three years ago when I wanted to develop a more high level focus on my work. I didn't really have the confidence to push myself forward in this way. My course has given me this confidence. I now look at future projects and potential new jobs and consider them achievable. There are many more senior jobs in our organisation for which a postgraduate management qualification is a pre-requisite.
What do you hope to gain from the course?
'My boss has been very supportive towards me taking on the extra study. It has also been really refreshing to take some time out for personal development from my day job, which can be stressful and demanding. I have also appreciated meeting other managers working in very different fields. I didn't expect this to be as much of a benefit as it has been. If there had only been people from my sector, then the whole experience would not have been quite as fulfilling.'
Claire Rowling
Background
'I studied for a Masters of Physics and Space Science, followed by a subsequent Masters in Computer Science before joining the National Grid Information Systems graduate scheme in December 2001. The graduate scheme lasted for 18 months, during which time i did a number of placements in different areas of National Grid including project management and training as a UNIX systems administrator. Since finishing the graduate scheme, i have had a number of roles including programme management, business analysis and managing a team of web developers. For the last couple of years, i have been in an account lead role which means i amthe main point of contact between the Information Systems department and a number of customer areas including Tax and Treasury, Company Secretariat, Communications, Safety, and Audit. I assist these teams if they have technical issues and i also help them progress any project work. I have recently been promoted to managing a team of Business and Service Analysts and have been looking for a course that will improve my general management training, hence signing up for this course at the University of Reading.'
Why did you choose the University of Reading?
'I chose University of Readingbecause i live in the local area, because the course web site described in lots of detail about what would be covered and the benefits to me, and also because of the links to the Henley Management School. My work offered to sponsor me, and also give me time off to attend the regular workshops, so it seemed like too good an opportunity to miss.'
What do you hope to gain from the course?
'I chose the course for a number of reasons - my line manager had completed the Certificate in Applied Management through National Grid, some years ago and suggested it would be a good course for me to complete as i had recently taken on a first line management role. I felt that this course could improve my general management skills by covering a number of key topics, including HR and Finance.
I hope to gain an overview of applied management and how i can apply this at NG. It also gives me the chance to learn about a number of areas that i have never studied or experienced before including Strategy and Marketing. All of the assignments are related to your company, so i've learned an awful lot about NG since starting the course! I would urge anyone who's been newly appointed to a management role, or who just wants to expand their understanding of the general management area, to complete this course as i've found it hugely beneficial to my day to day role and I'm already using things that i've learned on the course.'
Graham Hawkins
Background
'My role in Global Business Services of IBM is to deliver complex programmes and projects to global clients. Working mainly in the ERP space the projects I run enable businesses to transform themeseves, to become more agile, flexible and co-ordinated. I have worked in IBM for 2 years, previously to that I workd for Axon Solutions Limited, an SAP Partner organiation. I've been a Project Manager for 10 years working in Pulic Sector organisations such as the NPIA and Birmingham City Council, and private sector organisations such as Yell.com, Harley-Davidson and Jaguar Landrover.'
Why did you choose the University of Reading?
'I choose Reading partly because it has a good reputation as a University, and partly because the course itself is geared towards Public and Private sector; both areas of business that I work in. The course itself also has a good mix of continuous learning and assessments.'
What do you hope to gain from the course?
'I've been running Projects for varous companies for 10 years, mainly as a consultant. The projects have become larger and more complex over the years, and my career is changing to encompass Company Strategy, direction and the ability of the company to react to new markets and opportunities. The MA course at the University of Reading has a good mix of modules that cover a wide area of business ideas and concepts including Corporate Strategy, marketing and finance.'
'I hope to gain a deeper understanding of the corporate environment, and how the corporate governance process from strategy through to execution works. In addiiton it will be useful to see how this is applied in the public sector organisations and contrast this to the private sector.'
Jonathon Webb
Background
'I have worked for the Ambulance Service for over 20 years and as a Clinical Supervisor, providing supervision and training to student paramedics. I chose the Certificate of Higher Education in Management to supplement what I had already learned on management courses run by the NHS with the aim of being able to apply theory to practice within my work. The ability to refer to recognised management theories when presenting to senior colleagues provides a great level of confidence.
Why did you choose the University of Reading?
'The course is made up of a number of individuals from a range of public and private sector organisations. The experience of the tutorial staff enables the application of theoretical models to the diverse array of working environments represented by the course members.'
What do you hope to gain from the course?
'Although my first degree in Education meant that I knew the expectations of academic work, the Professional Management team ensured that I was fully prepared to approach the challenges of this course. The study-buddy system in place within the course has helped me tremendously to understand the topics covered during lectures - and to feel supported in meeting the deadlines for academic work.'
Jane Mcpherson
Background
Jane currently works as a Project Manager for the Royal Berkshire Hospital, prior to this she also worked as a registered nurse in the NHS for over 20 years, including a number of years as an A and E Sister.
Why did you choose the University of Reading?
'For me the Certificate course stood out because of the relevance to my current role. I also hope to go on and gain a full degree and one of the other benefits of this course is that it is a building block for this ambition'
What do you hope to gain from the course?
'Reading is an established university and I wanted a good solid qualification that would assist my career progression. I enjoy learning and this course is very motivating.'