Cath Hood

Cath's Story

Former Stirling Council policy manager Cath Hood has enhanced her employment prospects by strengthening her knowledge and skills with a Masters in Public Policy (MPP).

Cath, who left the local authority role two years ago, opted to embark on the course – 30 years after she first graduated – to bolster her CV before returning to the sector.

“I chose the Masters because it gave me the opportunity to build on my professional skills, knowledge and experience and put it into a new perspective,” she explained.

“The MPP gave me the opportunity to reflect on my previous work, look at it from a more theoretical perspective and deepen my understanding of how public policy works and the policy environment.”

The 53-year-old grandmother had to balance the demands of the course with personal and voluntary commitments, which she achieved with the vital support of family, friends and tutors.

Cath said: “Going back to University exactly 30 years after graduation was a challenge in itself. It was a totally different experience and way of learning.

“I valued the support and the quality of teaching provided by the module leaders. A couple, in particular, were quick to recognise the points in the first semester when I was probably a bit shell-shocked.”

Cath is now considering employment and consultancy opportunities in the public and voluntary sectors. She describes her time at Stirling as “intense, challenging and rewarding”.