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September was a big month for me. I started my new role as a Senior Engineer at the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre at Queen’s University Belfast and at the exact same time, I began my PG Cert. Yes. Both together.

When I accepted the role, I knew the expectations. A senior position comes with responsibility, ownership, leadership, and delivery pressure. At the same time, I also signed up for assignments, weekend classes, reading lists, and academic deadlines. I was fully aware of the time, effort, and discipline it would demand but I also knew that if there was ever a right moment to stretch myself, this was it.

Looking back, starting both simultaneously was intense. But it was also one of the best decisions I’ve made.

The Support That Made It Possible

One thing I truly value about Queen’s is its culture of learning. Growth isn’t just encouraged, it’s supported. I was fortunate to have a manager and team who backed my decision completely. That support made balancing both commitments realistic rather than overwhelming.

In my previous role, I had developed a strong interest in the supply chain domain and wanted to explore it more strategically. While browsing courses, I came across this programme alongside others in sustainability and climate change and something just clicked.

I applied. And I was accepted into all of them.

Even better, I received a full scholarship through the funded by the Department for the Economy. With only around 20 seats available, getting a fully funded place felt like both a privilege and a responsibility. Self-funding would have been a tough decision at this stage, so I genuinely felt grateful.

So yes, I made it.

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Coming Back to Campus - With Experience This Time

This journey was also personal. I’m a former graduate of the Queen’s Business School, where I completed my Master’s in Business Analytics. Walking back onto the same campus again felt nostalgic but this time it was different.

This time, I wasn’t just learning theory. I was bringing real-world engineering challenges into classroom discussions. And that changes everything.

My class had students ranging from their early 20s to their 70s, engineers, directors, corporate professionals, public sector leaders. The knowledge-sharing was incredible. Every discussion felt layered. Every group project felt meaningful. You realise quickly that learning at this stage is less about exams and more about perspective. I built a new circle of friends and professional connections that I’ll genuinely cherish for life.

Balancing Work and Study

The programme is structured by four modules (two in spring, two in autumn), mostly delivered on weekends. That flexibility made it manageable alongside a full-time role. But manageable doesn’t mean easy.

There were weekends filled with assignments instead of rest. There were weeks when project deadlines at work overlapped with coursework submissions. There were moments when I questioned my calendar decisions! Yet strangely, instead of draining me, it energised me.

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I would block my class schedule in advance and genuinely look forward to it. Even the online sessions were engaging because the conversations were so rich. When you’re sharing ideas with experienced professionals, the classroom becomes a space of inspiration rather than obligation.

Executive-Level Learning That Feels Practical

This was an kind of executive-level programme taught by highly experienced professors. The teaching quality was outstanding but more importantly, the accessibility of the faculty stood out.

Over time, I built close professional relationships with some of the professors. That opens doors for future collaboration and applied research opportunities, especially in areas connected to digitalisation and supply chain projects within my current role. And the best part? I’m already applying what I’ve learned in my work at Queen’s. That immediate relevance makes all the effort worth it.

More Than a Qualification

People often see extra certifications as CV additions. But for me, this was bigger than that. It boosted my confidence.

When you return to university after years in industry, there’s always that quiet question: “Can I still do this?” The answer is yes, and you do it differently. With more maturity. With more context. With sharper questions.

Courses like this expand your understanding beyond your immediate domain. They connect engineering, strategy, sustainability, operations, and leadership. They keep you adaptable and future ready.

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And This Is Just the Beginning

Now that I’ve completed all my modules, I feel proud not just of the certificate, but of the discipline it took to balance everything. Starting a senior engineering role and a PG Cert at the same time wasn’t easy. It required planning, sacrifice, and strong support. But it proved to me that growth doesn’t wait for “perfect timing.” If anything, this experience has reignited my appetite for learning.

I’m already planning to register for another course next academic year. Because once you rediscover the joy of structured learning while applying it in real time - it becomes part of who you are. And honestly? I can’t wait to see what’s next.

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Madhurya Jagadeesh PG Cert Operations & Supply Chain Management | Postgraduate Student | India Senior Engineer by profession, curious learner by nature. Currently pursuing Supply Chain and Operations while balancing full-time work and loving the challenge. I’m also learning Spanish at the Queen’s Language Centre, adding a new language to my journey. Passionate about writing, meaningful networking, and lifelong learning. When I switch off, you’ll find me reading, practicing yoga, or enjoying a good game of chess.