My postgraduate study: Eoin Kelly

Why did you decide to study a postgraduate and why did you decide on this particular course?

I decided to study a postgraduate course as I felt that it would benefit me in both my career and my personal development. I had completed my undergrad degrees and really enjoyed the challenge. Following this I worked in the industry for some time but felt that I could develop further and be more of an asset to my company. I chose the MSc in CPM because it gave me the opportunity to develop my overall management skills and broaden my knowledge of construction management in general. I work in a consultancy and was moving into more of a management role in my company; the MSc in CPM was the perfect choice to help me develop both the soft and hard skills to effectively manage a team and multiple projects at one time.

Why did you decide to study a postgraduate and why did you decide on this particular course?

I decided to study a postgraduate course as I felt that it would benefit me in both my career and my personal development. I had completed my undergrad degrees and really enjoyed the challenge. Following this I worked in the industry for some time but felt that I could develop further and be more of an asset to my company. I chose the MSc in CPM because it gave me the opportunity to develop my overall management skills and broaden my knowledge of construction management in general. I work in a consultancy and was moving into more of a management role in my company; the MSc in CPM was the perfect choice to help me develop both the soft and hard skills to effectively manage a team and multiple projects at one time.encouraged to think outside the box and work your ideas through to a final dissertation. With the undergrad degree, you are laying the foundations of your career that will help you to enter the industry and build your knowledge base. You can gain the necessary experience required to succeed in both your career and your personal development.

What were the biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?

I did my master’s part time while still working full-time in a busy structural consultancy. I think that the biggest challenge was juggling work, college and my personal life. I think it is often forgotten that not only do you need to succeed in your educational and professional career, but you need to have a life too. Yes, you need to further your career and education, but life happens regardless, so take time to appreciate it! I was lucky to have a partner by my side who supported me unconditionally through thick and thin, and without whom I would not have succeeded. Another challenge for me was getting back into the mentality of assignments and exams after finishing my postgrad. It was very difficult to balance my work during the day and then start into assignments and selfdirected learning in the evening. Luckily, my classmates in the master’s were extremely helpful and we encouraged each other to push through; because we were doing a part-time master’s, we were all in the same boat when it came to work and college. The benefit of working as a team and supporting each other shone through and made the whole experience far more enjoyable.

What benefits did you get from the postgrad and how has it benefitted your career?

From doing the master’s I became a much better manager in my own company. I felt far more capable at managing both the team I work with and the projects that I am involved in. This has benefitted my career to no end as I am not just a better manager but a more developed person: the experience I have taken from both the industry and college will stand to me for years to come.