Email: n.whiteside@qub.ac.uk

Tell us about your academic journey. If you went to university, what field did you study, and what inspired your interest in that area?

I studied Business and Accountancy at the university of Ulster for undergraduate. I the worked for several years in financial services. After taking a year out to travel I decided I would like a change of career and went back to university to complete teacher training, I studied for a PGCE at Edgehill University before completing a master’s in education again at the University of Ulster.

What was your career journey before you started working at The Graduate School?

I worked in financial services for approximately eight years, specifically the insurance industry where I was employed by a large locally based broker. I held a variety of positions across personal lines and complaints. I was also involved with the training of new staff members and helping current staff

What led you to pursue a career in higher education and student engagement?

I started my career in education teaching business studies in a high school before moving on to work with apprentices who were studying professional qualifications at a further education college, I then made the move into higher education with the university.

How has your previous academic or professional experience prepared you for your current role at The Graduate School?

I currently deliver qualifications at level 7, and I feel the experience I have gained delivering at different levels from school through to college has helped me be more effective in my university delivery. I also have quite a few years of industry experience to help me provide students with relevant examples of theory being applied to practical situations.

What's your role at The Graduate School, and what do you enjoy most about it?  

I am a learning and development consultant in the Graduate School. I deliver a range of courses including Master your Leadership and parallel thinking, I am also involved with the delivery and assessment of CMI qualifications. I enjoy the variety in my job, some days I will be delivering to students, some days I am marking and on other days I may be meeting students for one to ones.

I also really enjoy meeting students from such a wide variety of different backgrounds, both local and international.

If you could give one piece of advice to incoming students, what would it be?  

Getting a good work life balance, I know many stresses coming with being a postgraduate student but with good time management you should have plenty of opportunities to get out and explore what Belfast has to offer, also try, and get to know as many local people as possible, you will find it hard to meet friendlier people than those in Belfast.

Name one thing you can’t survive a working day without. Why’s it so important? 

My outlook diary, it keeps me right, I know where I need to be and when, I run my life according to Outlook.

What's your go-to spot for grabbing a quick bite to eat near campus? 

Not very exciting, but you are most likely to find me in Tesco buying a meal deal. Bo Tree Kitchen on University Avenue also does great Thai food.

What's your favourite book or movie that you think every student should experience? 

Favourite book is Bravo two Zero from Andy McNab and favourite movie is Three Kings.

What types of music or podcasts do you enjoy listening to in your free time? 

I like 80/90’s rock such as Bruce Springsteen, Bryan Adams, or Bon Jovi. I enjoy listening to podcasts from a variety of local Northern Ireland comedians.

Share a fun fact about yourself that might surprise your colleagues and students. 

I represented Northern Ireland as a Junior international in Judo; I won the NI open Judo competition several times and competed across Ireland and in the UK.

If you could travel back in time, which historical era would you visit and why? 

1984 to see Bruce Springsteen play Slane,

What are your favourite hobbies or pastimes outside of work (sports, creative hobbies, music)

I follow local football and support Crusaders; I have been a season ticket holder since I was about 5.

Do you have a favourite travel destination or a memorable trip?  

My first family holiday to Majorca with my son last year, or when me an my wife went to Jamaica.