Personal Development

Andrew Doyle from Montrose, Forfarshire
HSE - Seismic Ops Global Coordinator
Studying Foundation Degree in Business & Management

I recommend KOL for this platform of learning as it suits my individual needs, Ideally I would have loved to attend University full time and leave with flying honours and colours by applying 100% to study time, and this distance learning platform provides a partial cushion for this goal.

I have worked Offshore for many years residing and working on Oil Rigs, time Off was prime time but dispersed with training courses little opportunity to unwind and relax, I then moved into a more controlled environment with a Major Oil and Gas Operator. Where I found myself working with 'Top Notch' Academics and like minded Professionals, I was quick to realise that not ALL had a strong academic backgrounds but their successes were based on ability and application.

I joined the KOL - University of Essex, in essence to gain a better understanding of the mechanics of business practices were and how business is conducted, in an attempt to understand why certain decisions are made, I then embarked out on the Business Management Course self sponosored as a result placing the onus firmly in my lap, based on my own drive for knowledge.

I have an intense daily working life, but luckily I am amongst some serious geophysicists and geologists whereupon I can bounce my curriculum activities against, my own drive is to obtain a recognised level of knowledge and meld with my peer group.

Albeit, as an already established HSE professional I did not want to sit back on my laurels when the competition starts jostling for places and posts and balanced my work activity with learning whilst applying the new found knowledge to my workplace, I hasten to add some of my peer group have very little understanding of Business practices and my Line Managers have already completed similar Degree studies which benefits my overall standing in the Company.

The course has bascially led me into a line of study that I have always read or heard about and am now part of, irrespective of what my future path has in store for me I know I can speak the same common language as Business minded people, to enhance my standing further I can appreciate the reports and findings that I read constantly with relative calm and understanding.

The course for me has been difficult at times with some serious life changes from demography ( mainly IT Problems) to financial hardship on occasions, and the decision and commitment to carry on has made me a more solid person. I enjoy the short sharp activities and instant feedback where I can see my efforts appraised, and often the criticisms make one look deeper into the topic. matter. I enjoy the chance to present my points of view and do deliberately on occasions serve some negatives points for a reaction. This openness and feedback from other students stimulates the complete package which I find adds some spice and uncontrolled interactive responses.