D Monday, January 18, 2010 metrolifeextra 15 Go back to go forward at NCI A merican writer George Curtis once said that The new year begins in a snow-storm of white vows. If your initially snow- white New Years resolutions have already gone a little slushy, there is something you can do about it. This year many people are making a resolution that could really make a difference, and are returning to education. Director of student recruitment at National College of Ireland, Robert Ward, says: Many people might not have had the opportunity to start a course in September, so they choose to enroll in a programme starting in January. The IFSC-based college is offering Masters programmes in human resource manage- ment and finance and a range of CIPD courses. Also on offer is a Certificate in first line management, which is an ideal introduction to business management for those without a business qualification. There is also the extremely popular Diploma in marketing, advertising and PR. Selected certificate programmes have been reduced in price by 25 per cent for this January. One student who discovered the value of returning to learning was Fintan Murphy (pictured below left), who recently completed a diploma in business analysis and consulting. I found going back to education to be really worthwhile, says Mr Murphy. The support from all the staff and students was excellent and it was a really enjoyable experience that I would recommend. Adele Finnegan (pictured below right) overcame initial fears and has gone from strength to strength. I initially did a shorter course and found it really rewarding, Ms Finnegan says. It encouraged me to come back to study and now I am studying for a Masters in human resource management. Record numbers of people are returning to education. If you want to get a job, move up in the job you have, or return to the workforce, then education is the key. However, doubts can easily arise and a return to the classroom can be a scary prospect for some. Robert Ward says that fear should not be a barrier to returning to the classroom. Educa- tion is the single most important thing you can do to survive the current times. Everybody who starts a new course is nervous but there is lots of help available and most people are delighted once they get over that initial hurdle of making a start. The National College of Ireland is hosting an information evening for part-time courses this Wednesday, January 20, from 5pm at its campus in the IFSC. Its a really informal event and even if you havent a clue what course you want to do there is lots of friendly advice available to help you to make a decision or simply find out more. For details check out www.ncirl.ie or call 1850 221 721. FurtherEducationSpecial index.html2.html3.html4.html5.html6.html7.html8.html9.html10.html11.html12.html13.html14.html15.html16.html17.html18.html19.html20.html21.html22.html23.html24.html25.html26.html27.html