“I would recommend all the courses I studied at Northern Regional College. The Level 3 gave me a solid business foundation and linked perfectly with both the HND Business, ILM Leadership and Management and Business degree.”
Speaking to current Business students at the College via Zoom, Kevin spoke about his positive experience at the College and he encouraged them not to be afraid to try something different to make their CV stand out.
“For example, my sign language qualification has helped set me apart in networking circles as people respect the effort made to develop an additional skill like sign language.”
While doing the HND, Kevin applied for an international internship programme and secured a placement with the Noble Hotel Group in Kansas and this, along with all the other learning opportunities offered by the College, helped him progress to his present position.
Kevin now works as a Company Secretary (Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators qualified) with Maples Group, one of the largest company secretarial departments in the country.
“As a company secretary, I advise on the annual compliance of Irish entities. I incorporate Irish companies and assist through their lifespan with annual compliance, attending board meetings, drafting minutes and efficiently putting into effect the actions of the board. When the company has completed its purpose, I assist in winding up the company.”
“The company secretarial industry is thriving. There has never been a higher need for my profession and there is an opportunity to progress and be promoted within firms. The nature of the job means that the skills are transferable to different jurisdictions around the globe allowing for the option to travel.”
Throughout his time at the College, Kevin worked in a local family owned supermarket, taking on the role of assistant manager from 2011 to 2017, which gave ample opportunity to apply the theory of what he was learning in class to everyday business practice.
“I worked in the supermarket from I was 16 and realised very quickly there was a lot more to it than manning tills and stacking shelves. Paying attention to detail in every aspect of the business is important, whether it’s dealing with reps from different companies, stock taking, assisting with the books.”
Having studied Business from Level 3 through to degree level at the College, Kevin reflected on what he enjoyed most during his time there: “I liked the independent learning style it offered and it was good to be able focus on business, instead of having to take on additional subjects I wasn’t interested in.
“Our lecturers encouraged conversation and discussion and the course content was very relevant, giving me the underpinning knowledge and skills required in business. The interaction between classmates was always enjoyable and really helped develop my communication skills.”
Kevin said other skills developed during his time at the College have stood him in good stead in his career to date.
“The different teaching methods and class interactions all helped develop skills like networking and presenting, working independently or as part of a team, as well as teaching us about accountability, responsibility and how to manage your time effectively. These are all very important for any job and will help drive your determination to succeed.”
Business lecturer who Grainne Quigley who taught Kevin while he was a student at Magherafelt campus, said he was most diligent and conscientious about his work:
“I’m delighted he’s doing so well in his chosen career and I wish him every continued success for the future.”