English
Gaeilge
Micheal Turnbull
Graduate of our MA in Professional Leadership.
After spending nearly 15 years in the Irish Navy I went to America where I joined the Biotech/Life Sciences sector. I have had multiple technical roles before moving into management where I held several diverse positions in engineering and operations leadership. I had been thinking of third level but the time had never quite right (unless you make it right). I was looking at multiple programme options and different institutions both in the US and across Europe. Based on my most recent operations experience I was interested in exploring the potential of an MBA or Leadership programs. I was open for a programme being online or in-person if it was based in Boston. The ATU Sligo Master of Arts in Professional Leadership (Online) modules and subjects really interested me and when I looked at the entry requirements, I noticed the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) which supported my previous education and my leadership experience to be taken into consideration.
The RPL is an excellent mechanism to recognize combined aspects of careers and learnings to date for entry into appropriate third level programmes (in my case, a level 9 Masters program). I was fortunate to have the support of my work peers who also contributed letters of support. I also very much appreciated the guidance from the Admissions team at ATU Sligo which was extremely helpful. The support I received was instrumental in my successful application for the Master of Arts in Professional Leadership (Online).
The RPL is an effective tool in ensuring potential students utilize the available process to target the most appropriate course at the best level. I would highly recommend the RPL process to any prospective student.
The RPL process considered my leadership and management experience over many years in the Biotech industry and the Irish Naval Service. RPL was a great fit for me to leverage my professional experiences along with the formal leadership training I have received in my current company and in the Irish Naval Service.
The RPL program has allowed me to be accepted to the Master of Arts in Professional Leadership (Online) which otherwise would not have been possible without first completing an undergraduate degree. The RPL has provided the opportunity to earn a level 9 qualification in a programme that enhances my leadership experiences to date.
I enjoyed many different aspects of the RPL process including the testimonial (describing my experience to date), compiling the formal leadership training information from my time in the Naval Service, and engaging with company leaders for recommendation letters that provided the opportunity for me to explain the RPL process and the course I applied for.
Firstly, I would ensure the course you are interested in is relevant to your past learning/training and your future professional goals so you can leverage your experience to date. Secondly, being thorough in your assessment of your experience to date and interacting with the ATU team is very rewarding.