The editor of our Isle of Man titles has achieved a new university journalism qualification nearly two decades after he first graduated.
Dion Jones earned a Postgraduate Certificate in Journalism Innovation and Leadership with distinction from the University of Central Lancashire after completing a course which enabled students to focus on adapting to the technological changes in the news industry.
Overseen by the journalism department, the university says the part-time course is “tailored to news innovators eager to lead, and leaders eager to innovate, by growing their competence, their confidence, their networks as well as their career options”.
Dion explains: “The Postgraduate Certificate in Journalism Innovation and Leadership is designed to equip current and future media leaders with the skills to navigate and shape a fast-changing industry. I was honoured to receive a scholarship to join a cohort of talented leaders from across the sector.
“The programme included expert-led sessions from some of the most respected minds in journalism, including consultants and practitioners who have worked with titles such as the Financial Times, The Times (UK) and The Washington Post, as well as dedicated mentoring support.”
Dion said the certificate enables students to focus on driving “change within our own organisations by developing innovative, practical solutions to real-world challenges”.
Company support
But returning to university after a prolonged absence was not without its challenges, Dion explained, which he could not have overcome without the support of senior Tindle colleagues.
Dion said: “Returning to formal study after almost two decades was demanding. It required significant research, late nights and sustained effort, but I was delighted to graduate with a distinction. This achievement provides a strong foundation as I now work towards a master’s degree.
“I graduated in July at UCLan’s Preston campus, joined by my colleagues, my fiancée Kim, and my parents, Shirley and Anthony – a proud and memorable moment after so much hard work.
“My managers at Media Isle of Man and across the Tindle Group were hugely supportive, offering advice, feedback and the flexibility I needed to balance work with study.
“I’m especially grateful to Tindle’s Managing Director Scott Wood, Commercial Digital Officer Neil Webster, and Media Isle of Man’s Managing Director Sam Jones for their encouragement throughout the course.”