Could you tell me about your role and remit at the University?
I lead on most of the University’s external engagement activities. This includes promoting the University through our online communication channels and print publications to attract new students. The University also undertakes a range of outreach activities, such as attending education fairs, visiting schools in the UK and travelling overseas to meet potential students. My team works with our alumni, to support them post-graduation. This includes networking opportunities to help them find employment, as well as establishing a lifelong relationship with the University through volunteering, mentoring and donating.
How did you come to work in higher education? Please tell me about your career background.
Working in higher education was my first real job, I began by working part-time in the international office at Cardiff University. I very much enjoyed my role there, it was a supportive environment and I came to appreciate how universities have the means to make a real difference. When I graduated, a position became available in the same office on a permanent basis, and I got it! Throughout the last 20 years of my career it’s been interesting to see how things have developed and the wider role that universities play in their communities and the contribution they make to society.
Do you feel that your job is rewarding and purposeful?
Yes. Leading a hard-working team, seeing the people I manage thrive, progress and learn shows the personal impact you can have. I always volunteer at open days and graduation ceremonies too, it’s particularly inspiring to see students being rewarded for their hard work. I like to have that connection with students and parents, whether it’s at the start of their journeys or upon graduation.
Story telling also forms part of my role as a marketing professional. I take great pride in sharing the pioneering research that my university is conducting whether that’s making an impact in renewable energy or medical research, and more recently of course supporting the wider efforts to combat COVID-19.
The sector is incredibly important for the UK’s overall economic prosperity, universities have a significant part to play in social mobility, breaking down barriers and helping society to become more inclusive, tolerant and multicultural. Through working in higher education you can help make a difference both on an individual level and also a larger scale, by influencing developments within the sector such as advising on government policies.
Could you highlight the standout development opportunities you’ve had?
There are a lot of opportunities within universities, and many will have an HR or organisational development office to make them more accessible. These departments will provide specific leadership, training and coaching tuition for senior members of staff and emerging leaders.
The University also offers a range of academic programmes, often universities will fund CPD for their staff if they would like a formal qualification at that university. This can be through offering a full scholarship, fee waiver or some sort of partial funding. There’s a whole suite of programmes, schemes and resources that universities make available, in order to help you develop as a professional and a leader.
Could you tell me about any notable opportunities you’ve had to help broaden your career?
I’ve been very lucky, the ones that stand out the most are those where I’ve had the opportunity to get involved in both domestic and international campaigns, including lobbying to shape the government policies. For example, having the chance to work with Universities UK, all-party parliamentary groups and even visiting No. 10 to support the Great Britain campaign, which promotes the UK as an attractive destination for study.
On a personal level, I’ve just been so lucky again. My favourite thing about higher education is the opportunity to meet such diverse people. I have friends and colleagues from different backgrounds, cultures, countries and ethnicities, with a wide-range of skills and interests. It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn from other people and benefit from a diverse and inclusive working environment.
Please tell me about your experience of the facilities on campus for university life and wellbeing?
There are many groups and societies available to both students and staff, as well as lots of facilities for you to meet other people with similar interests and grow your network. In terms of mental health and wellbeing, that’s an area where universities have really invested in and evolved, particularly in the last 10 to 15 years. There is a lot more awareness now of this area, with universities offering mindfulness sessions and mediation as well as more traditional sports facilities and other recreational activities, such as staff choirs. Universities are also investing more in terms of staff engagement; utilising new technology solutions to break down barriers and hierarchies to allow communication across the university at different levels.
What has been your career highlight whilst working in higher education and why?
There are times where I can think back to a certain project I worked on or a particular strategy that has been successful for the University. However, it’s the personal memories created with individual students and parents that stand out for me. Over the years I have been able to provide information and reassurance to students and their parents to help them overcome fears and concerns, both before and after the students arrive. You’re just a very small piece of the overall puzzle, helping students to make the right choices. For me it’s those individual connections that I remember and their success stories, when people are genuinely thankful for the opportunity to come to university and you’ve helped play a very small part in that.
What are your tips or advice for those considering a career in professional services at a university?
It’s similar to the advice I’d give to students, I would say to make the most of every chance you are offered and to keep an open mind. There are many opportunities if you look for them; be proactive and put yourself forward for projects or teams that cut across different functions and departments. Get involved in different areas of university life and consider volunteering, as well as more formal work. Never put yourself in a box, go beyond your functional role and be open to development.
This interview was conducted before the Coronavirus Pandemic. Working arrangements on university campuses may have changed due to social distancing measures.