Anthony Walsh
After two decades working in a trade role, Anthony Walsh faced a crossroads in his career. Determined to grow professionally, he made the courageous decision to pursue a BSc (Hons) in Workplace & Facilities Management at Portobello Institute.
Anthony embraced the challenge of returning to education with perseverance, a passion for learning, and support from his lecturers and peers. His dedication not only helped him earn his degree but also saw him recognised as Student of the Year at his graduation.
His degree has supported the next step of his career progression, and he is now working as General Manager in K-MAC Facilities Management Services.
Embracing the Challenge of Higher Education
“I thoroughly enjoyed my time studying at Portobello Institute. It’s something I had always wanted to do, but I worried whether I would even be able to complete a degree after working in a trade role for 20 years and having never previously studied at that level.
“I received great support throughout the course, both from the lecturers and, when needed, from the people behind the scenes. There are always lots of questions when using new systems and making sure assignments are turned in on time, but they were always helpful.
“Strangely, I’ve missed attending the classes this autumn after finishing up, especially since I had gotten so used to the Saturday morning routine over the previous years,” he said.
From Passion to Recognition
Anthony’s commitment to his studies and passion for FM were clear to everyone around him, earning him a Student of the Year award at his graduation ceremony.
“I really have a passion for the subject I was learning about, so putting in the hours and studying was never really a chore as such.
“Every assignment I got, I actually really enjoyed completing and trying to present something that was good but also had a tangible meaning to my current role or challenges I had faced previously or was facing at the time.
“The amazing fellow students in my classes brought a wealth of experience and insights, which was invaluable to my learning,” he said.
Advice for Future Students
For those considering or currently pursuing studies in FM, Anthony offered some practical advice and insights into balancing working and studying.
“Like anything, whether it’s work or study, you get out what you put in. I really tried to dedicate a set time each day to college work, which for me was in the evenings and weekends. I was lucky to have a very supportive family and workplace.
“Basing my assignments on situations that were factual to my role, buildings I manage, or the company I work for allowed me to draw on real-life experiences and link them to peer-reviewed studies. This approach not only helped me with my studies but also benefited me in my role as well,” he said.
Looking Ahead
Following his BSc (Hons) Workplace & Facilities Management graduation, Anthony stepped into a new role at work General Manager in K-MAC Facilities Management Services, marking the start of another chapter in his career.
“My focus over the next year or two will be on succeeding in this new position,” he said.
Though his current role keeps him busy, he’s not ruling out a return to Portobello Institute.
“I definitely plan to return in the future to complete a master’s degree,” he said.
Anthony Walsh’s journey is a testament to the power of determination and the transformative impact of education. At Portobello Institute, his passion for Facilities Management found a supportive environment to flourish, paving the way for his continued success in the industry.
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