Email: d.hyland@qub.ac.uk
Tel: 028 9097 5239

Tell us about your academic and career journey before you began working at The Graduate School? 

I have been working in education for over 30 years. I originally began my career as librarian. I loved reading as a young person and was class librarian all through my school life. I studied business and Information Management at university.

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

I worked in Belfast Central Library, in Fine Arts and Music for 5 years during during which time I met many amazing people. I was on the project team responsible for digitizing the collection. I moved to BMC where my role was more a support and guidance role. Before long I was developing workshops to help students with their literacy, research skills and confidence. I worked specially with students who were underachieving and lad a project to support students improve their academic skills though mentoring.

I have worked in QUB for 12 years in a number of roles, the last 5 at the Graduate School.

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

I think the broad range of job roles which looked at enhancing learner skills whilst improving the student experience has been instrumental in helping me in my current role

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

I am the Training and Development Manager. I thing I enjoy most is providing a programme which offers students the opportunity to develop and grow during their time with us and knowing we as a team have had a part to play in this.

What’s the most challenging thing about your job?

There is always so many opportunities to develop the programme and it is sometimes hard to have to make a choice on what to take on when everything has potential.

Can you share some examples of the types of challenges or concerns that students often approach you with, and how you assist them?

I meet students regularly who have issues in all aspects of their student life. This ranges from family matters, study challenges including failing APR, supervisor issues, and bullying , to name but a few. My role is firstly to listen and then to assist the student navigate the issue. This may involve coaching or signposting the student to a course or alternative support where necessary.

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

I think it is important to build up a network of support from staff and students that you can talk to. You will not be the first to face  challenges and there will always be some one to help. Butt people can only help if they know there is an issue.

Are there any unique resources or opportunities available through your department that students might not be aware of?

I know the Introduction to Teaching is very popular for our PGR students but I believe Master your Leadership is a programme every PGT student should do. It brings together students from all disciplines and working with an employer they explore their skills as, leaders, communicators and thinkers. Completing the programme definitely gives students the edge when applying for jobs!

What's one thing you can’t survive a working day without?

Good coffee. It now only tastes delicious but usually involves a chat with fellow staff and students

How do you stay up-to-date with the latest developments in your field to better serve students' needs?

I am a Chartered Member of CMI and a Fellow of HEA. I attend conferences and joing networks which ensure I know keep abreast of new approaches and ideas.

Do you have any favourite inspirational quotes or mantras that keep you motivated in your work?

"Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does." William James.

Do you think there are any unique challenges that students face today which are different to the challenges students faced in previous generations? What are they?

I think technology has brought the biggest change to society and whilst there are many amazing benefits, if not used properly can present as many challenges

What's your favourite thing about Belfast that students should definitely check out?

I love the CS Lewis room in the McClay Library. Definitely worth a visit.

If you could switch roles with any student for a day, which program or course would you choose, and why?

I would love to work for the day in the trading room in the Business School!

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

Radical Candor by Kim Scott. I love the simplicity of her approach to care personally and challenge directly.

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

Anything from Beautiful South.

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

I would love to visit the early 1900s and the suffragette movement.