Patrick Dwyer, Full-time MSc Communication student writes:

My name is Patrick Dwyer and I am just starting my thesis as part of the MSc in Communication. The course has been very different from my degree with so many practical components in the communication programme. The latest of these experiences involved our class organising a conference for the general public. The whole thing was like something out of the apprentice, Dr Nelson our course manager walked into class on our first day back after Christmas and told us our task was to organise a conference in April.

As it was one of our assignments we faced the prospect of getting “fired” off the course if it did not go well. In true apprentice fashion, our course tutors Dermott and Laurie, just like Nic and Margaret, kept a close eye on us, but I think they took the role play too seriously with the raised eyebrows and constructive feedback. Just like any group completing a task we had our ups and downs but it all came together in the end with a really good conference. The conference theme was “Health and Fitness on your Doorstep” and we had four speakers in the morning session with a range of exhibitors providing workshops in the lunchtime session. We got some really positive feedback from the delegates and our exhibitors. Despite all the heartache I certainly enjoyed it.

It really has been a challenging year with the thesis over the summer another challenge: however the experiences I have got on the course, like organising the conference, will be invaluable when I come to start looking for a job and hopefully hearing the immortal words “you’re hired”.

Communication students Patrick Dwyer and Shauna Harte (pictured left) getting a sample of some tasty health food from Laura O’Sullivan (centre), Sales and Marketing director for Good4U at the Health & Fitness on your Doorstop conference at Loughry Campus Cookstown.