Olubunmi Omowunmi Odusola

Master of Science in Strategic People Management

Sligo

Can you share your career path to date?

I am a graduate of Economics with over 15 years of experience in diverse administrative roles across different industries in Nigeria, West Africa. I moved to Ireland in 2021, starting my career from scratch. I am currently working in the health sector as a healthcare assistant while acquiring relevant training towards finding opportunities that will permit me to put my years administrative skills to use.

What does your current role involve?

My current role involves assisting the elderly with activities of daily living. With my experience on this role in the last two years, should the opportunity come I am equipped with the knowledge and skills required to work in administrative and people management roles in the sector having acquired different hands-on trainings and knowledge about how the sector works.

 What motivated you to start studying?

It is my desire to find a role suitable for my level of education and experience which has been a challenge since my arrival in Ireland. Moreso, I have always wanted to be in the people management field, so I decided to upskill for a better job opportunity and gain the human resource management skills.

Why did you choose this course from ATU?

I came across an article online discussing strategic people management as a passive but developing initiative in the new trend of work, I did more reading around it, and it related to me as a worthy career path, then I checked to see if ATU offer the course. I live close to ATU Letterkenny and have taken a short course with the University last summer which brewed my interest in attending the college at the next opportunity I get. The quality of the programme howbeit short, the quality of staff and the welcoming ambience is everything for me. It was exciting finding the course in ATU, more interestingly it is new. 

How did you find the process of studying online? What elements did you find helpful? Were there elements you found challenging? 

I’m privileged to take the course because it is online, otherwise my excitement would have been chattered living in Letterkenny and my desired course was only available in Sligo. It is also perfect for me because I can work so that I could sponsor myself, and the flexibility model suits my priorities.

How did you balance work and study?

Balancing work and study are a challenge but with determination and supportive teachers on the course, it’s been amazing so far.

In terms of your employer, were they supportive of your decision to study? Were there elements of the course that were particularly relevant to your current employer? 

There’s been no tangible support from my employer, simply must work with my off days to attend classes and meet assignment deadlines. The course is well relevant to my current employer but unfortunately it is not a role they’re willing to accommodate now. Therefore, I am actively looking out for opportunities to practice in HR or related Admin roles.

What advice would you have for anyone considering studying online? 

Studying online is a great way to acquire desired skills in a flexible environment and manner. It is eradicating most of the tenable excuses preventing people’s self-development be it stay at home parents or busy workers. I am happy to be learning online and have also been encouraging my friends.

In what way has studying online with ATU benefitted your career? 

Studying online with ATU helps me apply my knowledge in my job and relationship with people both at work and otherwise. It has boosted my self-esteem and chances of finding desired roles. I’m better focused and creating a visible career path.

Did this course provide any unexpected benefits to your career? 

One of the unexpected benefits of this course to my career is simultaneously acquiring a CIPD qualification, I got to know about the CIPD through the course and now a member!

Did you find that the elements you were studying had practical relevance in your day-to-day role? Absolutely! Another added advantage is listening to professionals share their experience and career journey during live classes. Put together, my best decision of 2023 is studying MSc. Strategic People Management with ATU.