This week What's it like to work in? talks to Maria Hinfelaar Director Limerick IT

What's it like to work in LIT? LIT is an exciting institute offering a wide range of courses. Just walking around the campus you see students working in the forensic science lab, apprentices in plastering, future fashion designers preparing for their next exhibition, software developers planning the next generation of computer games, and many more I could mention. It's a wonderful diversity.

How does this job compare to your last job?

Compared to my last managerial post (in higher education in The Netherlands), the contact between the institutes and national bodies is much closer. Ireland is a smaller country and this creates scope for developing a joint vision and strategy. Future discussions about the implications of the OECD report will provide an excellent test case for this.

What's the best part of your job?

I love the overall responsibility for educating people. Education is one of the key service sectors, whether the economy is booming or declining.

What's the hardest part of your job?

I have lots of ideas for innovations in Irish higher education, and at LIT in particular, and it's knowing where to start. But I am not going to make the mistake of thinking that Dutch models can just be transplanted across the North Sea and the Irish Sea.

Where's the best place in Limerick to retreat to when it all gets too much?

The best place is the top of Gallows Hill, a few kilometres outside Limerick. Breath-taking views over the Shannon estuary and the hills in the distance, and not a soul around. That is, of course, after I have cycled up the steep, narrow and twisty road to get there.

Who's your education idol?

The Canadian educational expert who developed the concept of problem-based learning. Students acquire knowledge and insights through group work on real-life assignments rather than just listening to a lecturer.

If you could change one thing about LIT, what would it be?

I'd like to see more cross-fertilisation of 'best practice' between the courses. Our institute is full of top people with excellent ideas and practices that colleagues in other departments don't know about.

What's unique about LIT?

LIT has a mentoring scheme for all the students, which has dramatically improved retention and completion rates over the last two years.