Role: InnovateUs Genius
Company: South Eastern Regional College
Track Record:
What does your role involve?
Within my role at South Eastern Regional College (SERC), I work as an InnovateUs Genius on the new InnovateUs engineering initiative which offers funded support to local businesses which is financed by the Department of Employment and Learning (DEL).
My role is to act as a mentor for these businesses and helping them to understand what their requirements are. I then work with the engineers within SERC to provide the best possible result for the client.
What training or previous experience do you have that has helped you in your current role?
I have 10 years’ experience working in a manufacturing environment, with six of those years working within a research and development department developing new products and providing innovative solutions for a wide range of sectors including engineering, construction and technology.
This has given me an opportunity to see first-hand how research projects can impact upon a businesses trying to extend into new markets and it is this experience which I am now using to help other businesses.
Also I contributed as part of a business development team identifying markets for new and existing products.
Did you always want to work in this sector in some capacity?
I always wanted to be involved in engineering and I had a particularly keen interest in new technology and cutting edge products, so the progression into an innovation based job was natural step for me.
What is your organisation’s role in the local community?
SERC is a top UK college and aims to be world class by 2020. With over 32,000 enrolments and 1,185 staff we have been described as the ‘cutting edge’ college of the Northern Ireland further education sector. As part of this sector we are the delivery arm for government to ensure that the NI economy has the skills to grow, innovate and operate on a global platform.
We have stayed true to our roots and remain the lifeblood of the local community and economy.
We have built our reputation as a trusted and respected part of our community by delivering an industry-focused curriculum. While we have been better known for providing training courses we have become renowned as an innovative partner for companies seeking to improve productivity and develop new markets or products.
And how does your role fit in as part of this?
One of the main focuses of the college is the development of STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) capabilities in the region.
My role as an InnovateUs Genius for engineering gives me the opportunity to work directly with local businesses to ensure that engineering projects can be successfully carried out in order to help businesses be more competitive in both local and international markets.
My role includes meeting with new clients to inform them of the services which many of them can access, free of charge, as the support is fully funded. I then oversee any projects which are delivered through SERC in order to ensure that the business achieved results from the work.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
I think the best piece of advice I received was from my parents — they always told me to focus and work hard. Never wait for things to happen, make them happen for yourself through hard work and determination. That ethos has helped me throughout my career.
What advice would you give to someone who wanted to do the same job?
First of all, my advice would be to continually build industry contacts through networking. This is vital in order to keep up to date with what is happening in the industry.
Secondly, on-going learning and education will help you stay focused and up-to-date with all the technological advances in industry.
And finally strive to be the best at what you do and you will reap the rewards of your hard work.
What do you enjoy doing outside work?
I enjoy active sports, football, squash, swimming. Beyond that I keep a keen eye on Ulster rugby and follow the Formula One season throughout the year. I have recently become a member of Lisburn Sub Aqua Club where I am hoping to complete my Ocean diver course this year.