Problem solving is Patrick Turc’s middle name, and as a lecturer for UCOL’s Bachelor of Applied Management, problem solving is a must!
Originally from Canada, Patrick has lived in Palmerston North for nine years. He recently came from Midcentral DHB where he spent five years as a project manager before taking on his lecturer role at the Whanganui Campus.
"I started off a scientist, studying Genetics at the University of Alberta and moving on to completing my Masters in Biochemistry. After a few years working in industry, I went back to complete my Masters of Business Administration. This combination gave me some great data analysis skills which has made me a better project manager."
While working in Canada, Patrick fell in love with a Manawatū local and followed her to New Zealand with their baby and golden retriever.
"I love being in Palmerston North, especially at UCOL. The people here are very welcoming. The thing I love about UCOL is that staff are interested in making sure people learn a skill. They are focused on teaching people practical skills for their careers, adapting to people's learning styles, and filling in the gaps."
Having studied at a number of Universities, Patrick says one difference he notices and appreciates between a university and a polytechnic, is the way a polytechnic is less focused on "putting students on the curve" and more focused on assessing if students are learning the material.
Patrick has some valuable advice for anyone interested in pursuing a career in Project Management:
"There's typically three types of project management that people get into: IT, Construction and Process Improvement. Think about the area you want to work in, and study that first. If you want to do project management in IT, you need to know IT, so study that first. Project Managers tend to work in their area of expertise, and draw on their experience."
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