Alex Dow - MSc Construction Project Management (OL)

The 58-year-old, who lives in Alford, has fulfilled his personal ambitions, and is graduating with an MSc in Construction Project Management from The Scott Sutherland School of Architecture & Built Environment.

Alex left Kincorth Academy, aged 16, entering the construction industry as a tradesperson before progressing to a senior management role. He's worked for a range of companies across the UK including Amec Foster Wheeler, WorleyParsons, the MoD and Petrofac.   

Looking back on his graduation success, Alex said: “The course is the next and final step to achieving a life goal. I left school with no prospect of university at that time. My best option was a college or a trades-based qualification such as a City & Guild or a ScotVec/ Tech.

“Instead, I worked my way up as a tradesperson to a senior management role, gaining a huge amount of experience along the way.

“I realised that for me to progress in my career and to explore new opportunities, I needed a degree. So many roles within the industry are now blocked without an academic qualification.”

Despite feeling daunted about returning to study, Alex was impressed by the lecturers at The Scott Sutherland School of Architecture & Built Environment, and the course structure of the MSc appealed because he could balance his full-time employment with the needs of the course.

Making the step to go to university is a decision he’s not regretted.

Alex said: “Over the past three years studying for my degree, I’ve learned even more about the various aspects of my current role. I've been able to use a great deal of my working knowledge during my studies, and this has really helped me complete the MSc.

“I always enjoyed the online team involvement during the weekly tasks, modules and presentations and liked studying and writing my end-of-module reports, essays and final dissertation.

“I would say that for those working in full-time roles, as well as studying, you need to be aware that you will need to balance a lot more working hours!

“It is also important to remember to exercise as I’ve noticed a real difference to my physical health and well-being over the 3 years.

“This is a lesson learned and I now know that I have to work harder to get back in shape! In my defence however, I was significantly affected by the COVID-19 restrictions, just like everyone was, and wasn’t able to use the university facilities. Under normal circumstances, I definitely would have taken advantage of the free student membership at RGU Sport and used more of RGU's Campus & Community Facilities.”

Now that Alex has finished university, he’s looking forward to a new challenge and is moving to a new role after three and a half years with his current employer at Petrofac to take on a Global Construction Management position at BP.  

Reflecting on his experience at RGU, Alex says: “I’ve learned a lot about the construction industry over the past 42 years but achieving a degree has given me new opportunities and expanded my horizons. I intend to use these in my new job and to pass my knowledge onto the younger generation, whom I will be working for and with.

“For anyone considering going back to university, I would say to just go for it! You will gain an enormous sense of achievement and confidence that will help you take on new roles in the workplace.”