ARE YOU LOOKING for a career change, but are unsure where to start?  

If you need some inspiration to get your career moving in the right direction, going back to university is a fantastic option. Not only can it give you the practical knowledge needed to kickstart a new journey, but you will also gain confidence and self-belief from your course while getting to meet like-minded individuals.

Look no further than recent Atlantic Technological University (ATU) graduate Sarah Mee for an example of someone who did exactly that. In her own words, Sarah felt like she wanted to “take the next step in my career” a couple of years ago, before she decided to seize the opportunity with a flexible learning course at ATU.

We spoke to Sarah to chat through her journey and how her flexible learning course at ATU helped to shape her career.

Sarah Mee

Sarah is a graduate of the Higher Diploma in Medical Technology Regulatory Affairs and Quality (Online) and a current student of the MSc in Medical Technology Regulatory Affairs (Online).  

Working in a call centre a few years ago, Sarah said she felt like she was “treading water” and wanted to study an online postgraduate course to a find a new, interesting role. She had some interests and passions and knew she wanted to further explore career options within the MedTech sector in Ireland.  

“I started researching careers in medical technology as I had always had an interest in it. One day when I was on Facebook, I saw an ad from ATU promoting their online part-time courses in Medical Technology Regulatory Affairs and that’s where my online learning journey began,” Sarah said.

She applied for the Higher Diploma in Medical Technology Regulatory Affairs and Quality (Online) at ATU Sligo in September 2019 to dip her toe in both medical technology and online learning. 

“After I completed my first year of the Higher Diploma in Medical Technology Regulatory Affairs and Quality (Online), I left my job at the call centre as I got offered a position as a Regulatory Affairs Specialist with Abbott.”  

The material Sarah studied gave her the practical knowledge needed for the role and helped her get the ball rolling on her career. Now working as part of an international team for the EMEA region with a focus on monitoring the new EU regulations for Medical Devices, Sarah loves what she does.

I feel like I’m really going somewhere in my career. It’s early days yet, I’m only 26, but I definitely feel like I’m on the right track.”

Sarah was awarded an Academic Excellence award for finishing first in order of merit in her Higher Diploma, which gave her a confidence boost for her current studies and career. Sarah is currently working full-time and studying for a part-time Master’s. Her course is extremely relevant to her job as she often applies her learnings to her everyday role as a Regulatory Affairs Specialist with Abbott. Continuous learning and upskilling are huge aspects of jobs in the Med Tech industry, and Sarah can do just that at ATU. 

ATU’s flexible learning model has helped Sarah evolve in her career, as did the support she received from ATU lecturers during her studies. Sarah was extremely complimentary of the ATU academic team, saying that their supportive nature helped with lectures, assignments and project work. It was also a great opportunity to network with her fellow students, like-minded people on a similar journey.

The Academic team know that their online students are balancing full-time jobs, part-time study and just having a life. They understand this and adapt their learning to suit your life which has really made everything that bit easier!” 

Overall, Sarah is extremely pleased that she took the steps to advance her career and forge a path for herself within the MedTech industry.

“Studying online and advancing your career at the same time gives you a great feeling of self-accomplishment,” she said. 

“I love my job, and the fact that my online course helps me in my everyday role, means that the hard work is worth it. I have a great foundation now for my career with my Level 8 degree and hopefully in the next year, my Level 9 degree. There is a great sense of security with having a qualification and expanding your knowledge and skill set through studying online,” added Sarah.

If, like Sarah, you have an interest in medical technology, the wide variety of courses in MedTech at ATU provide a comprehensive understanding of all current device and diagnostic regulations, preparing you for the ever-evolving world of regulatory affairs. 

Both the Higher Diploma in Medical Technology Regulatory Affairs and Quality (Online) and the MSc in Medical Technology Regulatory Affairs (Online) were developed jointly by University of Galway and ATU in collaboration with expert industry practitioners who create the perfect blend of course material, ensuring the training and learning you will undertake matches with the highest international standards. The educational elements for these courses are provided by University of Galway and ATU academic teams and additional guest lecturing, as required, may be provided by outside specialists and practitioners. 

Atlantic Technological University (formerly GMIT, LYIT and IT Sligo) have over 350 online, flexible, and professional development courses now open for application for a September 2023 start. We equip learners at all stages with the skills they need to move beyond their expectations with their career and life ambitions. Download our Prospectus 2023/24 now & view our full MedTech course here.