Distance learning

The life experience of being in the Forces has paid dividends for former RAF telecommunications operator Colleen Boland. The 32-year-old Visa quality improvement manager from London served in the RAF from the age of 17 until August 1999, and found that the team work and her ability to get the job done while handling problems has stood her in good stead.

Her final rank was Senior Aircraftman, and she served at Coningsby, the Falkland Islands, Laarbruch, Bampton Castle, Uxbridge and Northwood. ‘The life experience of being in the Forces has been useful – team work, getting the job done and handling problems. I was taught to touch type, and gained a City and Guilds in telecommunications. I also took courses in desktop publishing and training in IT.’

Leaving because she was eager for new challenges, she landed a job as PA to a Senior Vice President at Visa. ‘I am still at Visa and have been a quality improvement manager there for one and a half years. My job involves managing the team responsible for driving quality improvements, managing customer satisfaction surveys, complaints, and quality and service improvement. I love this job because it is high pressured with lots of deadlines to meet (and) I work with a great team. My salary has increased by a large amount over the five years.’

Working towards her Open University degree was not always easy. ‘I went through a career change, divorce and moving to London all at the same time, one month prior to my exams, which was a tough one. By far the hardest thing to deal with was the tragic death of my teenage brother in a road accident. If it wasn’t for the staff at the OU I certainly wouldn’t have completed my studies.’

Now an OU graduate with a BSc (Hons) in Natural Sciences with Biology, she added: ‘I needed some mental stimulation in an area different to my work. My research, analytical and report writing skills have improved and I’ve also learned a lot about planning and prioritising. I feel that all these skills have contributed towards my career advancement at Visa.

‘Studying with the OU completely suited me – I have a hectic work and social life so being able to fit my studies around all that was perfect. My employer (gave) me two days study leave per year. I got excellent support from my family and also my friends – encouragement from them made a real difference.’