A couple of days of Doctoral excellence

I have recently spent a couple of days at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David residential, for the DProf programme, and let me tell you, what an experience it has been.

For those who do not know, the Doctorate in Professional Practice (DProf for short) is a programme of study that connects doctoral-level study whilst also allowing participants to continue in their professional development and commitments. Here at UWTSD, the DProf programme is one of only a few, worldwide that is generic. Meaning, that on this programme, there are professionals from diverse industries, from all over the world who, come together at this residential to share their knowledge and passion with eachother in an informative, educational, cross-pollination of experiences and wisdom.

At this residential, I had the privilege of engaging with students who work in diverse fields from education, management, tech, medicine, and many more. I sat in awe of their passion for their work, and their desire to be changemakers in their industries, their desire to engage, and learn from one another and be open to new, challenging experiences.

The morning of the first day, I took the students to the library at the Lampeter campus - Lampeter, a place that holds historical significance: Rugby was brought here, to St Davids College, from Cambridge in 1850!! St Davids College itself, obtaining Royal Charter in 1828 with further charters being granted through its history. St Davids College going on to evolve into the University of Wales Trinity Saint David. The library archives holding books as far back as the 12th century, which was an absolute privilege to see.

Following the historic books from the library, I ran a session on 'Sustainability and Ethics', a session where we explored the well-being and Future Generations Act, and the Sustainable Development Goals, how each of our industries engages with the goals in both positive, and negative ways, and the ethical implications of modern society, and our ability to achieve these goals.

In the evening, we shared stories, and became friends over food, and maybe the odd tipple or two, growing our connections over shared experiences and aspirations.

On day 2, We heard from the more experienced students, sharing their research, the trials and tribulations of their journeys thus far... Now I do not want to share details of their presentations but, be sure to know that I was blown away by each and every one of them. Not only is their research outstanding but, their candor for their individual journeys was encouraging.

I never felt I had a voice before but, being on this course, around so many inspiring people, I finally feel i have a voice, that I am worthy.

And this, is probably one of the greatest things about this course, not only does it provide opportunity for working professionals to achieve educational excellence and become #changemakers, it provides a voice to, and highlights the potential from diversity and inclusion.

So, I would like to share my thanks and gratitude to so many for this fantastic programme. To Laura James the programme manager for organising this residential. To the team involved in making it so special - Louise Emanuel , Alex Bell , Dr Roisin Mullins [and others] of UWTSD Carmarthen Business School , and of course, all the students who are involved in this DProf course..

So, if you have thought of doctoral study but, not sure how to fit it in around your professional life and/or just want to know more about the programme, click this link - Doctorate in Professional Practice

Or - feel free to contact any of the team tagged within this article, and I look forward to seeing the positive change you can make!

#DProf #ProfessionalDevelopment #changemakers