What is your career background?
I’ve almost always worked in higher education – initially as a researcher, then as a learning technologist, before moving to Web and Corporate Systems, where I work today.
What initially attracted you to your job?
I spent six years in higher education as an undergraduate and postgraduate. Following graduation, I hadn’t worked long in the private sector before I realised I wanted to go back! Not because I wanted an “easy life”, but more because I believe in the value of education and internationalisation.
In terms of the job I do nowadays, I was fortunate as a researcher to be involved with the Internet (and then the Web) in the early 1990s, which enabled me to move to learning technology, and then web development and corporate systems. Today I am more a manager of projects and people, but I retain a strong interest in how internet communications continue to develop.
Please walk me through your day to day activities.
Almost every day involves project meetings or meetings with clients from the institution. I also have frequent interactions with staff from the teams I manage, and we work regularly with suppliers, so I engage with them often. I constantly work with colleagues in our project management team, and daily with our digital communications and marketing staff. I also manage the team responsible for Library Systems and at the time of writing we have just implemented a new Library System, which is a huge undertaking.
How has your job changed in the last few years (if at all)?
I think universities have begun to recognise that IT is a real driver of business change, not just in terms of systems, but also business process and even institutional culture. There is a true recognition of the importance of IT. On the Web/Digital side of things, everyone is running to keep up with developments, which is challenging, but also invigorating. The consequence of all this is that everyone is busier than ever and the scale and number of projects is always increasing. Inevitably, our engagement with third party suppliers is greater. There is greater consolidation of approaches to infrastructure, security, data protection, and governance, mostly all to the good.
What do you enjoy the most about working in higher education?
Aside from engaging with my immediate colleagues, by far the greatest thing about HE is the constant opportunity to meet with people of all ages from all over the world. Working at a university also means that you get to learn so much about academic disciplines, especially in an “A-Z” institution like the University of Aberdeen. The energy new students bring every year is amazing.
Please highlight the development opportunities available in your sector at the university
The sector retains a collegiate approach and you will find that colleagues from other institutions and professional bodies like UCISA and UCAS are willing to share experiences and support and develop staff. There are numerous sectoral conferences, training events, committees and communities of interest.
How do you think higher education compares to working in commercial (if you have knowledge/experience of this)?
I used to work for an oil services company and whilst it was a good employer, I did not experience the same sense of reward I feel working in higher education.
What are your tips/advice for those starting out in your sector?
Get involved in communities of interest relevant to your expertise. Keep apprised of the wider developments in higher education, locally, nationally and internationally. Be aware of internal governance, policy and procedure. Never go into a meeting with a proposal without making sure beforehand that you have enough allies in the room!
Would you recommend working in higher education and why?
Yes, for all the reasons mentioned above!
This interview was conducted before the Coronavirus Pandemic. Working arrangements on university campuses may have changed due to social distancing measures.