DProf award leads to IOM treasury role for Gareth
When it comes to discussing the University’s Professional Doctorate (DProf) programme, who better to speak to than one of its first graduates, Gareth Evans?
Gareth was part of the first cohort of the programme in 2015 and received his DProf qualification in April 2020, and it’s fair to say he has good things to say about his experience and the impact his studies have had on his career.
“Ever since completing my master’s degree I had wanted to take the next step and obtain a doctorate,” says Gareth. “My background was in accounting and I chose the DProf rather than a DBA or a PhD as I wanted to look at my area of expertise from a social sciences perspective. The diverse background of the cohort contributed to my research in ways which differed from that I would have encountered within an homogenous business-group cohort.”
The DProf allows students to develop transferable skills in advanced applied research as well as in-depth expertise specifically related to the students’ profession through a two-year taught phase, before moving on to the research phase. It is delivered on a blended learning, part-time basis that lets you study whilst you build your career.
Gareth’s career has gone to new heights as a result of his DProf studies. At the start of his studies, Gareth worked as an accountant at Nationwide International on the Isle of Man. During his time at UWS, Nationwide Building Society divested from the island and Gareth reinvented himself as a consultant.
“Without the UWS studies that I was undertaking, I would not have been granted the senior position in the Isle of Man Treasury and Internal Audit Division that I have obtained, and been given significant responsibilities that had immediate governance implications island-wide. The Isle of Man Government knew and understood the value that a UWS education was able to bring, updating my forty years in financial services with leading thought brought about through reflective critical thinking.”
Not content with this role, Gareth has also gone on to have an article accepted for publication in a leading financial journal.
So, would Gareth recommend the DProf at UWS? You bet he would! “As a result of my studies, I have gained an increased reputation amongst my professional community of practice. Studying the DProf will create a high-quality, professional and academic accreditation platform to work from for your future life and working career.”
Find out more about our Doctor of Professional Studies (DProf) programme.