Media Release

16 January 2005

Jersey IT professional proves that distance is no barrier to achieving degree level qualifications.

As the demand grows for increased professional qualifications a local IT manager has demonstrated that living in Jersey need not be an obstacle to achieving academic achievements in record time.

Jensen Nixon, IT Manager at Jersey law firm Viberts, is an experienced IT practitioner who used the British Computer Society (BCS) Professional Examination as a major stepping stone to a BSc Honours degree through a new scheme from Southampton Institute that combines both professional and academic qualifications.

Using a mixture of distance learning and part-time study supplemented by mentoring by members of BCS, this approach enabled Jensen to gain a degree qualification in Professional Computer Studies in three years – the same period as a full-time course – whilst at the same time gaining promotion to IT manager.

Jensen is a member of the Jersey British Computer Society (BCS) Committee and represents the local section’s Young Professional Group - dedicated to providing services and a support network to all local BCS IT professional members under the age of 35.

Jensen said, “'I decided it was time for me to gain some professional qualifications and be a step above the rest. I wanted a qualification that would give me a greater understanding of IT and also one that I would not have to keep renewing every year.”

Brett Sumner, Jersey BCS chairman said “This is an excellent achievement by Jensen, who is clearly leading by example and demonstrating true capability, commitment and professionalism.”

Viberts’ Practice Director Rose Colley said ”Viberts were very happy to support Jensen through the BCS Professional Graduate Diploma as well as his BSc (Hons) Degree. The qualification has given him a more diverse knowledge of IT than could have been obtained from normal 'on the job' experience.”

Jensen’s achievement shows how membership of the BCS can help IT professionals enhance their careers. It also proves how BCS professional development can be combined with distance learning and local mentoring from experienced BCS members to provide a viable, and achievable, route to higher academic qualifications.

Details of the BCS Professional Examination and other qualifications are at www.bcs.org/bcs/products/qualifications. Information on Southampton Institute's scheme is at www.solent.ac.uk/biu.

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Editors note:

BCS Jersey Chairman (Brett Sumner) and Practice Director of Viberts (Rose Colley) are scheduled to make a presentation to Jensen Nixon in recognition of his academic achievement on Thursday 20 January 2005 at Viberts’ offices in Pirouet House, Union Street, St Helier.

Please contact the BCS Jersey Publicity representative, Paul Herbert, on 603124 / 07797729717 or e-mail p.herbert@localdial.com if you would like to interview Jensen or wish to attend the ceremony.

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Post-release update

The small ceremony held at Vibert’s offices on 20 January 2005 was captured for posterity. You can download this image of Jensen Nixon with Vibert’s practice director and BCS Jersey chairman Brett Sumner.

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For further information contact:

Brett Sumner

Chairman, British Computer Society Jersey

Tel: 606620

email: rbsumner@bcs.org.uk

web: www.jersey.bcs.org.uk

The British Computer Society Jersey is an international section of the British Computer Society (BCS), which is the leading professional body for the IT industry. With members in over 100 countries around the world, the BCS is the professional and learned Society in the field of computers and information systems.

The BCS is responsible for setting standards for the IT profession. It is also leading the change in public perception and appreciation of the economic and social importance of professionally managed IT projects and programmes. In this capacity, the Society advises, informs and persuades industry and government on successful IT implementation.

IT is affecting every part of our lives and that is why the BCS is determined to promote IT as the profession of the 21st century.