Roisin Byrne was presented an outstanding student achievement trophy on 25 January 2017. The Academic Director at CMI, John O’Toole said, ‘All our students demonstrate hard work outside the classroom but there is always the few that deserve special recognition. Roisin’s commitment and determination both inside and outside the classroom was exceptional. She demonstrated that she could personally overcome any challenges that faced her, and exceed her own ability in what she could achieve.’ Roisin is one of only two students who have received the annual Outstanding Student Award for 2016.
Roisin Byrne started studying with CMI in 2015 and completed a Marketing, PR, Advertising & Sales Diploma. She enjoyed her time with CMI so much, that she decided to return for further study and was accepted on to the ATHE Graduate Diploma in Management level 8 course. Roisin says, ‘I loved my first course with CMI and my teacher Sean Browne who was great had advised me to continue with my studies. At that time, I was ready for a challenge and my first course at CMI gave me the encouragement to go for it.’
Roisin chose to do with CMI, the Graduate Diploma in Management which is a part time 120 ECTS credit course and is awarded by ATHE Awards for Training & Higher Education. It takes on average 14 months to complete.
Working as a Manager with one of Ireland’s best known hairdressing brands and one of Europe’s most successful hairstyling groups with 71 salons nationwide, Roisin knew she would have to be disciplined. How she would manage her time between work, study and personal commitments would be a big challenge. She set herself high expectations from the start and was keen to keep on top of all assignment deadlines. ‘I really enjoyed the fact there is no exams with this course. The Management graduate diploma has assignments only. The fact lecturers give you feedback on drafts allowed me to continuously improve the assignment and really encouraged me to keep going.’
Setting up study groups was hugely motivating for her. She found other students really helped her and there was times when being pushed particularly by her friend Anna was really important.
According to Roisin, ‘I’m a much better manager and in a much better place now. I had previously completed a management course with Peter Mark Academy but the CMI course added to my understanding of finance and business fundamentals. I learned how to manage my emotional intelligence and thought about new ways to manage a group of stylists. Peter Mark really values strategy and culture. I found the assignments really complimented what I do in the workplace. I love strategy and the Strategic Planning unit was one of my favourites’.
Roisin intends to do an MBA with a university or third level college in Dublin. According to Roisin, ‘I have been accepted to a university and third level college to do an MBA and it is great that this course allows direct entry to a Masters qualification. A few years ago, I would never have believed I could get to this level.’
It is onwards and upwards for Roisin, and we wish her well on her journey… Well Done again.
