Student Profiles
Darko Pinter is a recent graduate of the MSc in Building Services Engineering Management
"The MSc course is an excellent programme - at times very demanding, at other times challenging. As a result, I was offered through various head-hunting agencies, four senior-level positions with global companies, all with career paths in management. I have since accepted a position with Carrier as a Programme Manager. Each company was extremely interested in the masters programme offered at Brunel and admitted it was that extra "edge" they are looking for in potential candidates. A few years ago, I was applying to companies, now they are contacting me. What a difference."
Michael Touhey graduated in 2005
I came to England from Ireland in 1973, when I was sixteen years of age to work with an Electrical Contractor, as an apprentice electrician. Now at forty-eight years of age, having completed the 'Distance Learning' MSc in Building Services Engineering Management at Brunel University, I was admitted to the degree of Master of Science in March 2004.
Apart from a burning desire to conclude 'unfinished' business, from an academic stand point; I decided to embark on this course of study, at Brunel University, as it matched my needs both personally and professionally. Personally, because I am married with two children and the time scales allowed me to spread my study periods through the week and attend to my family commitments. And professionally, because the course content meets the needs of the industry in which I am employed, which is the Construction Industry.
I am a Building Services Manager on a new Arena and Conference Centre in Liverpool, working for a major Contractor, where my role and responsibilities comprise managing the design and build of the Mechanical & Electrical Services, Fire Protection Services, Lift & Escalator Installations and Lightning protection installation, having an overall value of circa £25m. As a senior member of the project team I also contribute in the overall management of the project.
Starting the MSc, I found the first few modules very tough indeed. However the assistance and guidance I received from the staff at Brunel helped me reach the necessary level of competence to work through that difficult period.
I found their assistance particularly helpful at the dissertation stage of the degree, when contact with my supervisor was constant over the twelve-month period. She made herself available throughout offering helpful advice and necessary guidance. The dissertation was an assessment of thermal comfort within hospital wards, through the correct application of ventilation.
The course of study, which I completed over a four year period, has added a new dimension to what I am and what I do. It has given me a greater appreciation of what I read and write. My presentation skills have improved to the point that processes developed by me on my project are currently being considered by Engineers in my sector throughout the region and in some cases are being applied. Prior to completing the MSc I would not have had the confidence or knowledge to develop my career in this way.
