Pay onlineElaine Corbyn
Combining a full-time job with part time study was hard work which has paid off in a big way for Elaine Corbyn.
MA Human Resource Management
What are you doing now?
I work full time for regeneration charity West Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Trust (WMNT).
How has your degree helped you?
Doing the MA has certainly helped me progress in my work, as it’s given me new confidence in my role as Organisational Development Manager with WMNT. It has helped to give me a real understanding of the human resources work which I’m involved in on a daily basis as well as dealing with staff development, gaining quality standards for the organisation and helping WMNT develop further.
What challenges did you face?
Combining a full-time job with part time study at Teesside University was hard work.
I did one afternoon and one evening each week which I really enjoyed, as well as plenty of study at home. It was a bit strange going back to the classroom and I did wonder at first whether I’d be able to do it.
I wasn’t really sure what to expect and did initially doubt myself, but the staff at Teesside were so supportive and the other people on the course were great, I’ve met some lovely people who will be lifelong friends.
The tutors are extremely approachable and ready to help and the facilities at the Business School and Library are great. It was good to know I had these resources at my disposal even when I was studying at home.
What are the rewards?
I started work with WMNT as an admin officer in 1999. We were one of only 39 New Deal for Communities programmes across the country working on regeneration. As the organisation grew and developed I became involved in lots of different types of work, including working with residents in community engagement which was a great experience as although really enjoyable, it was also difficult at times due to issues affecting the community.
As a small company it has been important that we continue to grow and develop and I was given the opportunity of studying for an NVQ Level 5 in Management in 1996. Having gained that with the Chartered Management Institute my boss asked me if I would be interested in developing my human resource skills further by doing the MA at Teesside University.
What do you think about Teesside winning University of the Year?
I think it’s brilliant that Teesside has been named University of the Year. Hopefully now people in other parts of the country will realise how much goes on at Teesside and how much it has developed in recent years.
