Dominic, Emergency Response Area Manager at County Durham & Darlington Fire & Rescue Service, graduated from the Master of Business Administration (MBA) with Distinction after studying part-time.
Although he had worked with the fire service for over 20 years, Dominic was keen to return to education as a mature student to develop a broader range of skills and knowledge outside of that normally associated with the emergency service role.
There is an opportunity to find out more about the range of courses which are available to study on a full and part-time basis at the University’s next open day on Saturday 18 November. Prospective students can also find out more about postgraduate courses due to start in January 2018.
Dominic, 46, who is based in Durham, said: 'Although not located the closest to me, Teesside University offered the perfect part-time programme tailored for people like me, who already have a full-time job.
'I cannot stress strongly enough the benefit this course has given me as strategic manager within my organisation.'
Dominic decided to return to education as other senior managers within the fire service had completed the MBA programme, inspiring him to explore opportunities to work towards the qualification.
He said: 'The MBA is recognised as being not only an industry benchmark for strategic managers, but also a programme which would provide a broad range of learning outside of the normal fire service core progression courses.'
I cannot stress strongly enough the benefit this course has given me as strategic manager within my organisation
Dominic added: 'Having worked for County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service for 23 years I was keen that the course content and lecturing style were not too heavily reliant on academic studies.
'I was surprised and impressed with the practical work-related examples and real-life experiences many of the lecturers demonstrated and weaved into their sessions. Not being a natural academic, this was a concern that proved completely unfounded.'
He added: 'The University staff provided individual support and advice to help with remote access to emails, learning materials, assessment results and electronic submission of assignments, which proved to be a huge help.
'Although it was tough at times to manage a healthy work, life and study balance, ultimately it was a thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding experience which has made me better equipped for my role. I would recommend Teesside University and the executive MBA programme to anybody looking to develop in this area.'
Teesside University invited former X-Factor and Big Brother star Amelia Lily to the campus to show prospective students what to expect at our next open day on Saturday 18 November. Watch the video