She is also visiting Professor at Manchester Metropolitan University, UK. Her particular area of research interests relate to regional economic development and public policy support mechanisms associated with enhancing the competitiveness of small firms.
“Northern Regional College was my gateway to university and opportunity,” said Elaine. “I was the eldest of nine children and we’d no family tradition of going to university. I was expected to leave school when I was at 16 and get a job.”
After leaving school, Elaine went to London where she worked in a variety of jobs but she was too much of a home bird to settle.
She returned to Coleraine and got a job locally working in the retail sector but admits she did n’t enjoy the work because of the management style.
“There were opportunities for progression but I would’ve needed to have some qualifications to get those jobs. I realised that education could help me move up the socio-economic ladder by opening doors that would otherwise remain closed.”
When she successfully completed the Diploma at Northern Regional College, Elaine decided to do a Business degree at university.
“The Diploma meant I’d the entry requirements – and equally important – the confidence to study at university.”
Elaine graduated in 2000 with a First Class honours degree in Retail and Distribution Management and she also received an award for achieving the highest dissertation mark. She was subsequently invited back to do a Master’s degree which she completed with Distinction in 2001 and then went on to do her Doctorate which completed 2005 and the same year, was appointed lecturer in Ulster University Business School. She was promoted to a senior lecturer role in 2010 and in 2013, Elaine was appointed Professor of Business Innovation at Ulster University, a position she still holds.
“My time at Northern Regional College instilled a real thirst for learning in me. We studied Sociology, Maths, English, Psychology and Irish History and I really enjoyed the style of teaching and learning at the College.”
Elaine readily admits though that if someone told her when she was sixteen that she would go on to have a distinguished career in academia, she would never have believed them.
“The Diploma helped me find my niche and gave me the self-belief to keep going. It was challenging and I had to take risks along the way but it was worth it and I would definitely recommend it to anyone at a crossroads in their career. I wouldn’t have got to where I am today if I hadn’t gone back to College.”
Elaine has this piece of advice for anyone thinking about making 2019 the year that they will take on new challenges at work.
“Sometimes we have to create our own opportunities. The easier option of waiting for things to happen is not always the best option. Move outside your comfort zone to get to your destination – and remember there is always more than one route to get to where you are going!”