First observed in 2018, the International Day of Education reminds us that education is a human right and highlights its critical role in fostering development, peace, and sustainability.
The United Nations General Assembly originally established this annual event.
This year’s theme focuses on the relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) and education, focusing on leveraging new technologies while safeguarding human creativity.
Education has the potential to transform lives for the better, and it is very valued at Component Sense. We spoke with several team members who have recently pursued studies while working with us to learn about their experiences and why they value continual learning.
What education means to the Component Sense team
At Component, we are proud to support our staff in their educational pursuits, whether it directly relates to their role or serves their personal ambitions.
We support our team members’ education through practical measures, including flexible work schedules, funding a staff book club, and financing tertiary learning opportunities that align with the company’s goals.
Here is what the team had to say about learning as we mark the International Day of Education.
Web Developer, Iliyan Kalphov
Iliyan joined Component Sense during his third year of studying for a degree in Computing Science at the University of Glasgow. For Iliyan, the more knowledge, the better. He was eager to dive into work while continuing his studies.
“The biggest benefit for me was that at work I was working on real projects and applications that I’m passionate about at work. You don’t really get this first-hand experience at university,” explains Iliyan.
In fact, Iliyan found that the skills he gained while working gave him an advantage in his studies.
“I also found that studying and working at the same time enhanced my communication skills and speaking with customers,” says Iliyan.
For Iliyan, continual learning, even after university, is essential. If you stop learning, you may be left behind. He appreciates that the IT team at Component Sense fosters a culture of acquiring new skills, even outside of work.
“Many of the IT team at Component Sense began as part-time students, as Component Sense is very flexible to allow part-time contracts so people can work when it best suits them. The main thing is that you do the job,” outlines Iliyan.
Executive Assistant, Nokyin Lee-Boyd
As Executive Assistant to Component Sense Founder and CEO Kenny McGee, Nokyin has a dynamic role that involves working closely with many business areas. While managing her full-time responsibilities, Nokyin is also pursuing a foundational course with the Corporate Governance Institute.
While the course does not directly align with her current role, she values the company’s long-term vision. The support and investment in her education enable her to gain knowledge that could significantly contribute to the company’s future success.
“Learning is a thing that many companies say is important, but few actually practically invest time and money into this,” explains Nokyin.
Nokyin is always seeking new opportunities to expand her knowledge. She believes continual learning enhances adaptability, resourcefulness, and overall job performance.
“You should always be progressing yourself in some sort of manner, whether professionally or personally,” says Nokyin.
Web Developer, Subhomoy Haldar
Our web development team is kept busy with our bespoke Component Sense CRM (customer relationship management) software. Subhomoy moved to the UK from Kolkata to continue studying after having already studied extensively in India. He was driven by the desire to experience learning within a culture different from his own.
As he began studying MSc Computing Science at the University of Glasgow, experiencing the contrasts between India and the UK gave Subhomoy unique perspectives and significant opportunities for growth. It also solidified for him the importance of continual learning and the drive to challenge himself and avoid complacency.
“Continual learning is important as if you don’t, you may get into a false sense of security that you already know everything and stagnate,” explains Subhomoy.
A pivotal moment in Subhomoy’s education was completing his thesis while working part-time at Component Sense during probation. He explains that the company’s flexible hours enabled him to excel in both his studies and work. Once he completed his thesis and probation, he transitioned to a full-time role.
“The IT team is encouraged to learn outside of work, as it can be a way to pick up new tricks, skills, and systems that can be shared and improve the team,” says Subhomoy.
Junior Marketer, Vivian Trịnh
As one of the newer members of the Component Sense team, Vivian is actively studying Business Management with Marketing (Honours) at Edinburgh Napier University. Learning is central to her role, particularly with the rapidly evolving nature of marketing and advancements like AI.
For Vivian, the value of continual learning extends beyond just furthering her career. A growth mindset also enriches her personal life.
“I believe in continual learning because it is for one’s own personal growth, and you should always strive to be a better, smarter version of yourself,” explains Vivian.
Balancing education and work is challenging, but Component Sense’s flexibility has helped her manage both successfully.
“The company’s flexibility allowed me to have a balanced study and work life without feeling like I had to sacrifice one or the other,” says Vivian about the nurturing of young talent within the business.
View the latest career opportunities at Component Sense
We are proud of our team’s dedication to lifelong learning and education. While the International Day of Education is a vital reminder of education as a human right and its role in sustainable development, it also gives us an increased sense of appreciation for the opportunities available to us.