Part-time Courses take Patricia to New Career **Video**

Changing career path after working in one sector for 36 years might seem like a risk, but for Patricia Magee, returning to college when her children had grown up has proved life changing.  

Patricia (58) from Ardglass said, “After completing CSEs and RSAs (Certificate of Secondary Education and Royal Society of Arts qualifications) at St Mary’s High School, Downpatrick (now Lecale Trinity Grammar School) in 1984, I went straight to work in retail and spent 25 of them as a retail manager in Boots.  

“When my children were all grown up, I thought there has got to be more to life; I was keen to do something just for myself.  I have always been interested in holistic therapy, and when I saw an advertisement for a course on Crystal Healing at SERC Lisburn Campus, I  thought that’s the course for me.  As soon as I applied though, I was filled with  self-doubt. I was nervous and felt unsure whether I would do it or not, but after speaking to the course lecturer,  I was convinced it was exactly the right course for me.    I found the academic side not too overwhelming and everyone in the college, and on the course, were very welcoming, so it was perfect for me as an adult learner.”  

“That first part-time course was life changing. The support and encouragement I received from the lecturer taking the Crystal Healing course gave me the confidence to apply for the Level 3 in Reflexology, again at SERC,  which I wouldn’t even have considered myself capable of completing.  By the time I had successfully completed the Level 3 Reflexology course,  I had gained so much confidence and belief in myself, that I knew exactly what I wanted to do next, and the following year I completed a Level 3 in Aromatherapy and a Level 4 in Reflexology, again at SERC and then a Level 2 Introduction to Counselling Skills, which I completed at Southern Regional College (SRC).” 

Patricia is now a Holistic Therapist with her own business and works from home in Ardglass.   She is also a part-time carer in the community.   She said, “Taking that first step to do a part-time course was one of the best decisions I ever made, and it was at the right time of my life.    I loved the hands-on learning, the sense of community and the genuine passion of the lecturer.  I loved learning about the therapies that I now use every single day in my business.  As an adult learner I felt included, valued and completely supported and I also made some great friends along the way.”  

She continued, “I didn’t think I would be able to leave the security of my management role in retail, but SERC gave me the professional skills, the confidence and the belief that I could build a new career from scratch at 58.  Everything I learnt at college,  I now use daily in my business. In my role as a Holistic Therapist, my days are a mix of reflexology, aromatherapy treatments, crystal healing, Indian head massage and well-being sessions with clients.”  

You would think changing careers and working as a Holistic Therapist would be enough for one person,  but the knowledge Patricia gained made her want to develop and create products specifically designed for her work and clients.  She said, “I also create bespoke aromatherapy oil blends and offer treatments. I am currently developing my own skincare blends for 8-13 year olds and working to get them registered with support through the InnovateUs  programme at SERC (training for small businesses to undertake innovation activity and drive growth, fully funded by the Department for the Economy and delivered by further education colleges across Ireland).  I’m  also developing my social media skills – essential for my business.”

Speaking about the challenges of her new career, Patricia said, “For any Holistic Therapist the challenge is often building a consistent client base and balancing the practical business side with the caring and compassion side of the work itself.  It is also an industry which requires continual learning; this is not so bad for me, as I love learning new things for my role.

“The best part of the job is seeing people leave lighter, calmer and more themselves.  It’s gratifying to do work that genuinely helps others to feel better.” Offering words of advice to others who have an interest in her new career path, she said, “If you feel called to it, just follow it.  You don’t need to be a certain age or have a certain background.  Start with one course, keep an open mind, and let it grow.  The satisfaction you get from helping others as a holistic therapist is on a different level.”    

“Based on my own experience, I would certainly recommend going to SERC, especially for adult learners or anyone looking for a fresh start.  SERC gave me a safe place to grown, learn and completely change my life. Going back to education later in life was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.  It opened the door to a new career, new friends and a new sense of purpose.  If my story encourages even one person to take the first step, it’s worth sharing.”  

If you would like to return to education to reskill for a new career, upskill for promotion,  or simply start something new, enrol now at SERC for courses commencing January 2026 at serc.ac.uk/January-Courses