Studying at sea

Home » Student Stories » Studying at sea

Fiona Ford speaks to nesma about how she has managed to successfully juggle her studies, career and her role in the Royal navy Reserves.

As if studying towards your CIFiona FordM Diploma in Professional Marketing in your spare time wasn’t enough, try being a member of the Royal Naval Reserve (RNR) too!

Having served for almost 10 years, Fiona has continued to play an active role within the RNR whilst studying towards her CIM Diploma this year. This term, not only has she met HRH Princess Royal as a member of a Royal guard, she will be serving off the coast of the UK in the lead up to Easter – all on top of her day time role as a Marketing Operations Specialist at PII Pipeline Solutions, a GE Oil & Gas and Al Shaheen joint venture.

A career she considered at school, the RNR provides the right balance of adventure in the Royal Navy with work and home life. Proudly supported by her employer, Fiona has developed a whole host of management and problem solving skills directly transferrable to her role. So how does she fit it all in?

“I’ve always been keen to develop my skill set and develop myself professionally. When the opportunity to study at nesma was presented, I could not wait to get stuck in. I have a busy lifestyle but it’s all about balance. Having been a member of the RNR for nearly 10 years, I’m used to juggling. As with anything – good things always come in three’s.

Each week, I ensure I have plenty time to study which has been made so easy via the evening classes. I’ve meet a lot of new people from a whole host of different organisations. I’ve really enjoyed networking with others, understanding their roles and applying my learning to my role from day one”.

studyatsea