Mark's journey through education leads to a Masters

Fire service employee Mark Adams says his journey through education has given him a leg up the career ladder.

Mark, 44, who lives in Stafford started working at Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service on a disabled training scheme in 1984. Twenty five years on he has gained promotion through the ranks and since April 1 has been working as the Head of the ICT department at Fire Service HQ

This year Mark graduated for the third time having achieved an MSc in Computer Science - with Merit -  at Staffordshire University.

He said: “This has been my biggest challenge and my first experience of blended learning but the Service gave me some time to study and I’m of the opinion that it’s the best way to do it and that you can still manage your work if you’re committed to it.”

“On reflection the MSc course provided knowledge and skills to critically analyse information and provide a reasoned and balanced solution. These new skills have been used in my own working environment, in particular with the comprehensive review of the Information and Communications Technology Department. 

“I was able to provide a reasoned justification report showing a new structure, fully costed, and capable of meeting the Service’s needs now, and in the future.”

During his time at Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, Mark has completed an ONC and a HNC. He also studied simultaneously for a BSc (Open) in Maths Science and Statistics with the Open University and a BSc (Hons) in Applied Computing at Staffordshire University.

“The Service has paid for all my study and has been willing to support my career development,” said Mark. “Obviously this comes with its own rewards although I’ve had my fair share of late and sleepless nights to get where I am.”

Chief Fire Officer Peter Dartford said:
 
‘Mark has gone from strength to strength whilst working with Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, but Mark's strength has improved markedly through his preparation and study for the Masters of Science degree in Computer Science.  We are so pleased that Mark has passed his course with a merit. This demonstrates the dedication that Mark shows when he undertakes any task, whether that be through his studies or his dedicated approach to not only managing a first class ICT department, but demonstrating his abilities as one of the Service leaders.”