Name: Gary J. Gerard
Job: Professor and Academic Coordinator – Fanshawe College
Can you share your career path to date?
My story is a little different. I went back to “School” and studied for my Bachelor while teaching as a Full Time Professor. My educational background is Architectural Technology – worked professionally in engineering and construction companies but became a Professor of Architectural Technology after time in the field. I am still a Professor at FANSHAWE in London, Ontario, Canada.
What does your current role involve?
Daily my role is to instruct; prepare and teach domestic and international students in 2 different programs – “Architectural Technology” and the “BIM and Integrated Practice” Post Graduate Certificate Program. We focus on the built environment with extra focus on BIM delivery of projects. Architectural Design and Virtual Design and Construction are emphasized daily.
What motivated you to start studying?
My employer, Fanshawe, is supportive of faculty increasing credentials and as a life long learner, I have always valued learning new things and bettering my knowledge base.
Why did you choose this course from ATU Sligo?
It was the simplest path to my Honours degree, was related to my background and offered a different educational delivery that made it possible for me to continue to work while doing my degree.
How did you find the process of studying online? What elements did you find helpful? Were there elements you found challenging?
Studying online takes discipline and a committed plan. Understanding time management and your work – life balance is the toughest part. The flexible learning opportunities and timings helped greatly.
In terms of your employer, were they supportive of your decision to study? Were there elements of the course that were particularly relevant to your current employer?
Fanshawe has always supported faculty upgrading, the college is always asking for faculty to maintain their currency and to bring new and novel curriculum to this college.
What advice would you have for anyone considering studying online?
Fully understand that it’s a commitment – be prepared; focused and have a strong sense of time management.
In what way has studying online with ATU Sligo benefitted your career?
It has boosted my knowledge base; opened additional career pathways and even inspired some program development.
Did this course provide any unexpected benefits to your career?
Nothing unexpected but was well received.
Did you find that the elements you were studying had practical relevance in your day-to-day role?
I did.
What were the key skills you took away from your time studying at ATU Sligo?
Time Management; Commitment (to being a Lifelong Learner) and Currency are the 3 most prominent thing ATU Sligo gave me.
Find out more about BSc (Hons) in Construction Project Management