By Andy Pacino

When we move on in life it’s important to take a moment to thank our former colleagues for the huge amount of support they give over the time you were together. After my last career move I have had heartfelt warm wishes, and haver received some incredible testimonials from many of my former students and colleagues.

Rest assured, I wish them all the very best in the future, and I hope that my ties with them. I can say, hand on heart, that I gave my all while I worked with, in the main, an incredibly professional and capable group of academics, and some seriously talented students, many of whom I expect to go on to great things.

I’m going to list the areas I supported my students, and all of which and more that ELT Central to many educational institutions across the UAE. If you’re in any doubt about my credentials, take a couple of minutes to read the testimonials: it means so much more when they come from former colleagues and students you have worked with so closely.

Teaching and Learning Committee: As part of the academic department I sat on the Teaching and Learning Committee for two years, where we would look at how we could improve and offer the best education to our students, and how we could bring new ways of delivery and more enjoyment to the learning. I delivered staff professional development workshops and academic advice to those who took on Master degrees. I also developed many workshops that helped a great number of students attain better grades than they wold otherwise have achieved.

Academics: I was the first port of call for students who needed help with their assignments, reports and upcoming exams. I ran academic and professional development workshops that covered all aspects of academic work including citing and referencing, paragraph structure, constructing thesis statements, essay structure, researching, and avoiding academic integrity with paraphrasing. The sessions were both successful and enjoyable, and many students dropped by my office for chats and guidance outside those sessions too. My philosophy in professional education has always been first and foremost, what is best for the students. They are the customers, they are the lifeblood, and their progression and supporting them in their education is always my priority.

Mental Health: Students have to feel safe both physically and mentally in the environment where they study. We had a suicide tragedy on campus one day, and in order to make sure our other students had all the support they needed, I organised mental health advice sessions, which highlighted many aspects of student life that we could offer more support. Many students sought my advice in times of stress for personal and academic situations, and I am proud that I was the person they felt safe enough to speak with, and someone who they could identify with as help.

Careers: I introduced a jobs portal that was incredibly successful, possibly too successful at times, as we had more jobs than we had students applying for them. I had a personal connection with 99% of the companies that I dealt with; they knew me, they knew my face and they knew my personality. By the same token, I knew their needs, I knew their business and I knew the HR and directors of those companies to ensure they had the best service I could provide. I gave professional development sessions not only at my university, but also at many schools across Dubai. I helped with CV building, job applications, interview tips, optimise Linkedin profiles and learning how to get the best from it, and how to make and grow a worthwhile network of contacts. I also initiated regular industry employment panel discussions and introduced our students to some of the biggest business names in the UAE. These events allowed our students to learn from experts and understand where the latest trends are going to be. I am still in touch with all of the former panel guests, which demonstrates the personal touch that I feel is so important. My hard work and nous meant the university achieved a 5 star rating. I’m proud of that.

Student Life: Outside that, my role included many different aspects from when I began with the university in 2017 . I’d like to think I brought a whole new way of operating with student life. I made contact with dozens of events companies and got free passes for many events, such as film Premieres, art exhibitions, racing events, music gigs, MEFCC, At The Top, Dubai Air Show, and many more. I initiated the only continually producing for and by student magazine in the UAE.

Sport: Finally, I am also very proud that in my spare time I coached the football team, the Sharks, and last year we got to the final of a competition for the first time in the university’s thirteen-year history. In my time as coach the players came together and learnt how to function and work as a team and we were one goal away from a trophy. My priority in my professional life as well as in sport is always; always do what’s best for the team – work, family, fun, whatever: without the team we are alone.

Wherever I have worked, my goal has always been the same: first of all, I see where improvements can be made and I find ways to make better things happen. I want the next person that has my role to think, “How the hell did he do all of this on his own?” As I watch from the sidelines, I know I managed that, and more.