Student Spotlight - Paul Mathieson
It is acknowledged that resilience within organisations is a key priority and a mainstream business function. It is critical that organisations are equipped to build resilience into every aspect of their operations ensuring their ability to function fully and maintain the required level of service.
Organisations face constant challenges from both external and internal environments and need managers who are able to deal with this appropriately. This can be achieved by understanding the importance of resilience while planning and executing suitable strategies. In this week’s blog, we meet a student who has just completed a professional development (CPD) award.
Can you introduce yourself?
Paul Mathieson and I am from Dundee/Inchture.
What course are you studying at Perth College UHI, and what year are you currently in?
I’ve just completed PG Cert Resilience Management and Leadership.
How did you hear about Perth College UHI?
I had been searching for an institution which supported a Chartered Management Institute course and stumbled across the PG Cert in Resilience. The first module, Understanding the Resilience Landscape, was free under the workforce upskilling programme. The module had significant relevance to my work in the NHS in that it gave me a deeper understanding of Integrated Emergency Planning and the intra operability framework set out in the JESIP doctrine.
What were you doing before you came to college?
I am employed as a Senior Biomedical Scientist specialising in Blood Transfusion.
Why did you decide to pick this course?
I have a huge interest in Resilience and Leadership, so this programme offered me everything I needed in terms of Continuing Professional Development.
What is your favourite thing about the course?
The diversity of all three modules, each element was really interesting and has allowed me to apply my learning to the work environment.
What knowledge, skills and experience have you gained from your course that will help you when you leave Perth College UHI?
All of the modules have enhanced my knowledge in Resilience Management, which have helped consolidate my understanding and practice in this field. The leadership element has helped me to think about how I lead and manage people by employing several different leadership models. The course work for each module was relevant, thought-provoking and certainly helped consolidate learning.
Have your lecturers been supportive during your studies?
Very supportive, throughout both courses.
Any other achievements you have gained on your journey?
I studied for a Chartered Management Institute Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership concurrently with the Understanding the Resilience Landscape module.
Have you enjoyed studying at Perth College UHI? Any highlights?
Yes, I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I especially liked using the virtual learning environment as this let me study when I was able to fit it in.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of college?
I build model aeroplanes when I get an hour or so to myself. I am an officer in the RAF Air Cadets.
What are your future career plans?
To continue as a Biomedical Scientist and perhaps branch out into a Resilience job at some point in the future.
And finally, what advice would you give to someone thinking about studying at Perth College UHI?
Go for it! Enjoy your time at UHI and seize every opportunity you can!
