Balancing the farm and the classroom- Frank Evans’ journey back to education

Never one to shy away from a challenge, Frank has always sought to upskill. From earning a Diploma in Dairy Herd Management at St. Pat's Agricultural College, Monaghan, to completing a Professional Certificate in Business Strategy Farming at Smurfit Business School, Frank's desire to learn has been constant. However, managing a busy farm meant that the time commitment required for a Level 7 qualification was a significant barrier. 

In addition to his education, Frank is deeply involved in his community. He founded his local Macra club in 1982, serving as chairman and later as county chairman. For his efforts in increasing the number of Macra clubs in Co. Monaghan, he won a National Leadership Award. Frank has also contributed to drama and community football, and played a key role in establishing a successful preschool service in his local area. 

A friend informed Frank about the 2-year Bachelor Ag Science Degree course in DKIT and began his most recent journey back to education. The part-time option allowed Frank to continue farming while pursuing his goal of completing a Level 7 qualification. The fact that there would be many other mature students balancing farm work with coursework encouraged him to apply. 

Frank Evans said:

“I really like the blended aspect. I think it's important to have some in person engagement so to better get to know fellow students and lecturers. However, as most of us manage our own farms the online aspect works really well too.”  

The modules focusing on livestock and crop modules are those which Frank found to be the most beneficial, but he says overall the modules are very beneficial for future opportunities and that he has had many “very engaging” lectures throughout the course.  

Balancing study with the demands of farm work is no easy task. Frank admits that the first term of the Level 7 was challenging, as it was a completely new experience for him. However, with the support of his tutors and classmates, he adjusted to the pace of the course while managing his many priorities. As he currently completes his level 8 qualification, Frank credits the camaraderie within the class as an immense help, saying, "We all come with many different life experiences, yet we share a common interest in agriculture, which is fantastic." 

Although he has no immediate plans to follow a new career path, Frank is confident that what he has learned at DkIT will be hugely beneficial in the management of his busy farm. Having served on many boards such as the Cavan and Monaghan board of Irish Farm Accounts Co-op (IFAC) and the Board of Ag-related Business, Frank hopes to use his new-found expertise in the sector to seize more opportunities in the sector. 

Although balancing both work and study commitments can be challenging, it is a challenge that Frank recommends taking if you are ready to put in the hard work required.

Frank Evans added:

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to gain a solid agricultural qualification without affecting your day job, it’s also a chance to meet like-minded people. However, you need to be prepared to handle the workload and meet deadlines.” 

The opportunity to complete his degree on a part-time basis was invaluable to Frank.

Frank Evans admits:

“It would have been impossible to do otherwise with my other commitments.”

He commends the support provided by DKIT and values the chance to work alongside classmates from all across Ireland. 

Find out more about the Level 7 Agriculture part-time programme