Ronald Smith's OpenLearn Profile

My name is Ron Smith.   I am a retired Senior Manager of Management Information Systems & IT.

I have been retired for over 20 years so, coming back to this level of study with the Open University is very      challenging.  I have had a varied business career.   I started as a trainee accountant but did not complete my  training because I joined the RAF when I was 18 to do my National Service.  After initial training I was             selected for special duties and posted to the secret establishment at Bawdsey Manor.   On completion of my National Service, after 2 years, I returned to my previous Company but not to continue as a trainee accountant as I was offered a position of Manager, Shipping & Raw Materials Dept at the age of 20.    Later I moved from Essex to Cheshire where I took a position in Buying for a Truck Manufacturer.   Then, because of my interest in systems, I was invited to retrain as a Business Analyst & Programmer and undertook many months of training with IBM.  After this I was set to work to design a computerised Buying System as a result of my previous experience.   A year or two later another change of direction when I was offered a position as Personnel Officer.  Again this meant retraining by undertaking the IPM Course in Personnel Management.  On completion of my training I was appointed Asst Manager Human Relations.  My final position was with an American Company where I was responsible for IT and systems development.   This led to my appointment as Senior Manager and I held this position until my retirement.