An interest in computing, education and teaching led Paula Kirkwood into her role at South Eastern Regional College (SERC).
Read how she became a Lecturer in Computing at SERC
Give a brief outline of your career to date.
I graduated with a BSc Hons in Computing Science in 2006 and started working as a Network Professional for Antrim based Nitec Solutions. I had a placement year with them and was lucky to secure full-time employment with them after I graduated.
Following two years working as a Network Engineer, with a role that involved customer training I felt a pull towards teaching. It is something that had always been on my radar, so it seemed very organic for me to complete a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). I moved from a full-time post in IT, to a year of study for my PGCE, then to teaching IT Key Stage 3, right through to A-level for a couple of years.
I had always enjoyed my time working in industry and moved back to a role which focused on training customers for another larger IT company, and from there into a management role with Nitec Solutions – always leave a job on good terms as you never know where you might return. As Customer Experience Manager, I was responsible for a team of engineers; managing the help desk and ensuring that excellence was paramount in the service delivery. I spent then the next seven years in that role, gaining valuable experience throughout the business including working with the sales team.
A Project Management role with South Eastern Regional College (SERC) which also involved some lecturing caught my eye and following a successful interview, I started in December 2018. I have since moved into a full-time lecturing role within the School of Computing and as well as lecturing, I am now involved with the development of student companies which is very exciting.
What was your favourite subject at school?
I always had an interest in Computing from a young age, I didn’t go to a school where Computing was overly encouraged but there was a small number of us who were enthusiastic and my teacher created a relaxed and informal learning environment that enabled us to enjoy our classes while we learnt, which I believe was the perfect learning environment when I was in my teens – we went to class to actually have fun! This is an environment which I try to replicate in my classes: creating a learning environment which facilitates sound learning and understanding whilst also being relaxed and informal with an emphasis on getting to know my students and my students getting to engage with each other; whether online or in campus.
Did you go on to further/ higher education, if so, what did you study and where?
I studied at Ulster University where I did a BSc (Hons) in Computing Science and then went to Queen’s University Belfast to complete my PGCE.
How did you get into your area of work?
I always had an interest in Computing Science and knew that was what I wanted to study for higher education. This along with my interest in education, teaching and training lead to roles which offered an amalgamation of my strengths.
Is this what you always wanted to do?
I didn’t know such a role existed. but the career path I am on right now complements my knowledge of business and IT. Along with the desire to teach.
Were there any particular essential qualifications or experience needed?
A computing qualification or industry experience is essential, backed up by a teaching qualification. I found that my placement experience was invaluable in helping me gain knowledge and developing my skillset. I was so fortunate to have an excellent placement provider who really valued placement students and could see the strategic value in taking someone on and investing in them. This is something we encourage at SERC – our students are walking out the door with qualifications and experience which gives them the edge.
Are there alternative routes into the job?
My route into my job is fairly typical for Further and Higher Education in that almost everyone on the teaching team has worked in industry so they bring a wealth of knowledge, skills and experience to the class. What we are teaching is closely aligned to what industry needs.
What are the main personal skills your job requires?
Excellent communication and presentation skills are vital. It is also important that you are a people person and enjoy interacting with people of all ages and backgrounds. Being encouraging and supportive wins the day in further education.
What does a typical day entail?
I have a busy household with young kids, so it’s a 6.15am start, breakfast and out the door. I am at work for 8:45am with lectures until 11.00am then a quick coffee break before lectures until lunch and then more lectures until home time. I also work one evening a week with my part time HNC class.
As a full-time lecturer, I get the opportunity to teach on a range of courses from Level 2 right through to Level 5 qualifications. My focus is to equip my students with the knowledge and skillset to enter a career in IT or progress to studies at higher level.
This year I am involved in two student run companies, FixIT and Project Space. FixIT is an infrastructure company which has 12 team member who are gaining valuable practical experience working alongside our own Desktop services team who support students and lecturers as they work from home. Project Space is a company facilitating Work Based Learning opportunities for HE students providing real life projects to be completed from Design to Implementation – we have Software Development Projects and Infrastructure projects for 16 students to be involved with. I feel enthusiastic and excited by this opportunity for our students to get hands on experience.
From the moment they join SERC, students follow a Project Based Learning (PBL) model – regardless of what they are studying – which helps them develop a suite of transversal skills so they are ready for further study, employment or starting their own business.
What are the best and most challenging aspects of the job?
The best part of my job is knowing that you have engaged your students and been able to add to their knowledge bank and seeing them succeed. The most challenging part of my job could nearly be the same as the best part of my job – ensuring that I am delivering the best lecture to my students, so they are equipped to succeed in their chosen course.
Why is what you do important?
Working in Further and Higher Education you can make a difference to someone’s life. You can have a real positive impact on the career path they take, and I feel encouraged and motivated to know that I am helping to prepare the next generation of professionals for the IT industry to innovate and deliver the IT services of the future.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to yourself on your first day?
Be confident in your own abilities.
Describe your ideal day off.
Spending quality time with my husband and kids body boarding on the beach.
And finally, what’s the key to any successful job search?
Try to identify key aspects of a role that you are interested in, and if you’re moving from one role to another – know what you want.
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