Aaron Hobday
Aaron Hobday
Career Development and Employability MA (Distance Learning)
Aaron is studying a Master's in Career Development and Employability. He originally studied the course online, whilst working as a Guidance Counsellor in Hong Kong and has since returned to the UK where he is continuing his studies online. The practical focus of the course and the passion and experience of University of Huddersfield academics were key factors for him in choosing the course.
Choosing the Career Development course
I initially found the course by accident at a university fair when I was working as a Guidance Counsellor at an international school in Hong Kong. I spoke to the University of Huddersfield representative and found out that the University offered this unique and rare course that would both qualify my previous experience and help develop me further in my career.
I was then put in touch with the Course Leader and had a chat online. During this conversation, I felt that the staff had a real passion for the course, and it was created with a practical focus in mind. For example, the first module I studied was the QCD qualifying element of the course, which means that in the first year I have acquired the skills needed to qualify before actually finishing the course! This is a huge plus for students, as it makes you instantly attractive to employers and allows you access to new opportunities.
Working in the education sector, I had always known that the University of Huddersfield was a hidden gem for courses with a work-relevant focus and that students choose Huddersfield for its industry links.
My experience of studying online
When I applied for the course, I was living and working in Hong Kong, so studying on campus wasn’t an option for me. That being said, I feel that I’ve made good friends with the people on my course and I’ve learnt a lot from them in our interactive sessions. There’s also one big online session each month where we all get together and go through the course content. I find these practical sessions really hands on and a lot of fun.
Even though there’s a time difference between the UK and Hong Kong, I've been able to study asynchronously and catch up according to my schedule, and I’m really happy with this flexibility.
Teaching and learning
The teaching on the course is absolutely terrific. To be taught by the people who created this course really does allow their passion, heart and soul to shine through.
The course content is challenging too; it’s taught well and in an online environment where everyone feels safe to ask lots of questions, and this has really helped me to think outside of the box and get back into studying at Master’s level, especially after just over a decade away from studying.
I love the way the course has been really well thought out to frontload the course with the qualifying QCD part of the degree. There’s also the flexibility to be able to do either the PGDip or MA, and you can also upgrade from the PGDip to the MA if you want to as well.
The course has been designed with career practitioners, or people wanting to do a career change in mind.
Supporting my professional development
The course is challenging and academic, but it instantly changed how I went about my student interactions in my previous school. I was able to apply the theories and ideas from the course to real life very quickly, and I was able to see my students respond positively to these ideas. This has been really rewarding to see the personal and professional growth in such a short timeframe.
I have recently returned to the UK from Hong Kong and my experience on the course and the skills I have developed have not only helped me to secure two job interviews but also to receive two jobs offers, one of which I have accepted, where I will be working with students at a UK University.
The course is a fantastic investment of your time and will pay dividends in your future career.
Benefits of studying Career Development and Employability
The Career Development and Employability course allows you to further your skills as a careers or university practitioner, and there are so many opportunities in this area, as well as an increasing need in the UK and the international job market for qualified people with such expertise.
Whether you’d like to work with high school students, university students or adults in their job searches, the course helps you to not only improve your counselling skills but is also a great way for people in other industries to transition into a really rewarding career.
I also think the course is excellent value for money compared to similar courses run by other universities. So, for any Career Counsellors in the UK or abroad considering starting this course, I would fully recommend it.
My career plans
I would like to continue working with young adults and teenagers in the future in a university or career guidance role. However, the great thing about the design of this course is that you don’t need to wait until after you graduate to find a job. It’s probably one of the only degrees where employers are really interested in you when you’re in the middle of the course. If you’re considering this course, definitely speak to one of the course tutors and find out more!
