Anna Robinson, Lecturer in Project Management and graduate of the BSc in Project Management writes about her experience as a student and journey to becoming a lecturer.

My daughter asked me last night if I always wanted to be a project management lecturer. I didn’t. I wanted to be a fashion designer (when I was 9), then I wanted to be an HR consultant (when I was 20). But after several years of working at the University of Cumbria, both in HR and in student services roles, it became clear that I had a real love of projects. Little mini-projects to create a new series of marketing images or big, technical projects like a new careers IT system – I really thrived on seeing a project through from start to finish. 

In 2019, I graduated from the BSc in Project Management at the University of Cumbria, with a first-class degree, and an even greater love of project management – especially the ‘people’ side of projects – team dynamics, leadership – how people can make or break a project’s success. Then in November 2020, just a year after my graduation ceremony in Carlisle cathedral, I interviewed for, and was offered a job as a Lecturer in Project Management – teaching on the same course that I graduated from just a year ago!

I love my job – and I love the team I work with! We are all passionate about teaching the next generation of project managers the knowledge and skills they will need to thrive in their careers. We all come from different backgrounds – some have come from the private sector, some from the public or third sectors. Some of us have a research background, some of us are more practice-based. As a team, we all have one thing in common – we all want to support our students on their learning journeys. Project Management students come from all backgrounds, are all ages, and work in many different sectors, and each student really is an individual here at Cumbria. With small class sizes, we get to know everyone throughout their programme – some students are with us for five years – and it’s wonderful to see them progress from their first few modules right through to their graduation – we are proud of every single one.

For anyone thinking about studying project management at the University of Cumbria, I would say – do it! The small group teaching, outstanding support and experienced staff make this course one of the best in the country. We can give you the skills and knowledge you need to succeed as a project manager in whatever sector or career path you choose. Thinking of running your own business? We are also in the top 10 for developing business leaders – your project management degree can help you achieve your goals, whatever they may be.

Find out more about the project management courses at the University of Cumbria here: https://www.cumbria.ac.uk/business/project-management/