Craig Russell - GA BSc IT: Management for Business

Craig Russell, 41, has successfully completed a GA in BSc IT: Management for Business having worked through Covid-19 and lockdowns while also distance learning to ultimately obtain the university degree that he craved. He was first alerted to the possibility of a GA degree thanks to the proactive partnership RGU has with many Scottish organisations, including the NHS.

“When the option of studying for this course was put out to my department, I was immediately interested. I had attended RGU after I left school and only completed two years of my degree. I knew that this was my chance to put that disappointment behind me and finally get my degree qualification. The opportunity to study while working was ideal for me.”

The advantages of a Graduate Apprenticeship are clear, flexibly earning a degree while maintaining the same full-time working role. But it can come with its initial difficulties too.

“Being able to study for a degree, whilst also working full-time was a game changer for me. Having a young family, and having also studied for a degree previously, I knew that this was a good opportunity for me. The blend of learning while also applying that learning to my workplace in real scenarios was a great way to structure the course.

“I found it tough in times too, especially getting back into the learning space. I also had a prebooked family holiday to Florida booked four-weeks into the course so you could say it was a baptism of fire completing the first module! After that, I knew that I had to be better at managing my time and be more focussed on the deadlines.

“Learning during the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdowns was also difficult. As I was working in IT within the NHS, workloads became much larger overnight with the push to have thousands more people working from home as soon as possible. This meant that time for studying was difficult - but I managed to get through the work and achieve my degree.”

Now enjoying the fruits of his labour, Craig has reflected on his time and cited many positive highlights – including two promotions.

“Being able to develop new skills and meet people in my department that I would not normally talk to was a highlight. I have also been able to gain two promotions while studying for my degree that I feel that I would not have been able to do if it had not been for studying this course.

“I also enjoyed the on-campus days where I travelled to Aberdeen for the day to meet up with my fellow students and collaborate with them. This was a great way to talk to others about what we were learning and to get some face-to-face time with the lecturers.”

Located in the NHS Highland eHealth Department in Inverness as a Systems Specialist (Social Care), Craig plans to continue working where he is with further goals in sight after a successful stint at RGU.

“I have become more confident in myself and developed my skills. The course required regular presentations, either in person or virtual and this led to me being a much more confident speaker. I have also used my new knowledge of agile project management in my work life.

“I plan to stay working for the NHS for a long time. I enjoy knowing that what I am doing is ultimately helping to deliver care to patients. I plan to progress to a management position within the next few years to really put what I have learned in to practise.”