'I had caught the study bug' PhD student Patrick Buckland talks about his experiences from bachelor's degree to masters and now PhD in SETU Waterford campus
Patrick Buckland is a past pupil of Synge Street CBS, Dublin. He came to SETU in 2009 and has so far completed a bachelor of business, a masters in business in lean enterprise excellence and is halfway through a PhD.
Time at SETU
2009 - Present
On which SETU campus are you based
Waterford Cork Road campus
Why did you choose your course at SETU Waterford?
At first, I wasn't very sure about which course to choose, the Bachelor of Business had a very good spectrum of subjects that I felt would give me a good foundation in business and enable me to begin a new career. I first started with the Higher cert in Business Studies with the view of progressing onto the Bachelor of Business, this was done part-time.
Straight after the BBS, I went straight on to do the Masters of Business in Lean Practice, which has since been changed to the Masters in Business in Lean Enterprise Excellence. The next year (2017) I won the SETU Waterford campus presidents PhD scholarship for a 4 year full-time structured PhD. My PhD is titled An Exploration of the Career Social Mobility Beliefs of Senior Female Academics: Motivation to Lead and Challenges as Leaders. I am currently 2 years into the 4 year structured PhD.
What was your experience?
I was delighted that I could study part-time, two evenings per week and Saturday, and still work. It was a big commitment. I was nervous about going back to education. It was a lot to take on. I remember my first day well, we were all nervous, but it didn’t take us long to bond as a group.
I remember getting the results of my first assignments and being delighted with myself. It boosted my confidence. My lecturers were of great support to me, answering any questions I had. They encouraged me when I needed it. As I handed in my final assignment, I felt so proud and a little disappointed that my journey at SETU had come to an end. I had caught the study bug. I really enjoyed the course. Walking across the stage to collect my certificate during the graduation ceremony is a big highlight in my life.
Can you recall your feeling when finding out you were offered a place at SETU Waterford campus
I didn't enjoy school very much, so I was quite apprehensive I remember feeling 'am I really going to do this?'
What advice would you give to students considering your course?
It can be hard work but worthwhile, I found that working with my classmates really enriched the experience
Had you any feelings of doubt about attending college/returning to education? Tell us how you overcame them.
I had my doubts but my wife encouraged me. I wasn't sure I was up to what seemed at the time a huge undertaking. I wasn't as hard as I was expecting, I found I enjoyed the comradeship and I am still in contact with many of them.
What advice would you have for students about getting through college?
Don't do it alone. If you need help ask. The lecturers are great and will go out of their way to help. Also work together with fellow students. Most of all enjoy the experience, I found it one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life.
Living arrangements
Lived in Tramore and worked full-time during my studies