How long have you worked at the University?
I've worked here for nearly four and a half years, though have moved roles. I started in Development and Alumni Relations as an Events Manager, then moved into the role of Head of Events in Marketing. I am now Committee Officer in the Department for Policy, Planning & Compliance.
And what does that role involve?
It involves servicing some of the University committees including the Honorary Degrees Committee and the Ethics Committee; attending meetings, providing advice, ensuring committees are compliant with regulations and generally ensuring actions happen. I’m learning about a totally different side to the University, which is interesting.
What would you most like to achieve?
Anything that makes a positive difference, no matter how small. I feel that I achieved this in some way by establishing the Events Forum in my Head of Events role – a network of over 250 people across the University who organise events. It has promoted a more collaborative culture where people share guidance and advice and I hope it continues to thrive.
Can you name one thing that makes you feel proud to work here?
The brilliant research. I worked for a charity prior to working for the University and was reluctant to leave the charity sector because it was important to me to work for a worthwhile cause. I realised the University does a lot of brilliant stuff, which I was totally unaware of as a student here.
You’re an alumna of the University, what did you study here?
I was a BBA (Business BSc) in the School of Management. The acronym was still DBA when I started and we were known across the University by this hideous nickname ‘Do B*gger All’. I could never understand how that came about because we worked so incredibly hard, it was a very intense course! I once counted the number of group projects we did over the duration of the four years and there were 14 in total. This meant that any time we weren’t in lectures we were in the Library or Management computer labs in the depths of Wessex House, working with our groups. I am grateful for the insight into team dynamics these projects gave us, as it made the transition into the workplace seamless. The main reason I chose the course was for the two six-month work placements and ultimately it was one of these placements that set me on my career in events management. I cannot emphasise how valuable that work experience was for me and I’m so pleased that it is still one of the University’s USPs.
How do you feel the University has changed since you were here as a student?
Well other than it tripling in size in terms of student numbers?! The campus infrastructure has evolved enormously too. The current sports training village was being built and there was a huge field in front of the Eastwood houses, which is now covered by several halls of residence and the Lime Tree cafe. The site of the Lime Tree is where the marquee was stationed during our Freshers Week in 1999. It rained the entire week and the marquee, ironically named the ‘Millennium Oblong’, leaked terribly.
I’m so pleased to see investment in the arts too. I was a member of Bodysoc whilst at the University (yes, this did involve wearing hotpants…) and any rehearsals for shows took place in a quirky little arts barn or any lecture room that was available. The Edge is a fantastic space. I was also encouraged to learn that the University now offers arts scholarships, which is fantastic.
What piece of advice would you like to give to a student?
Don't put yourself under too much pressure to know what you want to do with your life. The likelihood is you’re going to be working for a very long time so there is the potential to have two, maybe three, careers in that time.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I don't think I ever really knew (hence my previous advice to students), although I can remember watching the film Mannequin and then wanting to become a window dresser!
What was your first ever job?
My first ever job was as a sales person at Marks and Spencer during peak season, whilst at sixth form. I loved being on the tills and having a nose at what people were buying. I then had a job during my first year at University - three hours on a Tuesday night at the Melting Pot cafe, now the Pit Stop. The training was literally ‘here's the thermometer, stick it in the food and make sure it hits the right temperature’. It was all thrown in the deep fat fryer back then!
If you were to start your own dream business what would it be?
The love in my life is dancing, so a couple of years ago I started a new career as a ballet teacher, not really knowing exactly where it would lead but knowing that I wanted to do something that would impact people’s lives in a positive way. Last year I had the amazing opportunity to take over the Bath School of Dance, which felt like a dream. I feel so lucky to have taken over a school that has a nurturing ethos and I’m excited to grow the school, which I’m hoping will become a school for the whole community, not just children. We have recently moved all our Saturday classes to the dance studio at The Edge which is the most inspiring learning environment for our dancers. With The Edge’s recent focus on promoting wellbeing and the University’s aim to develop a positive relationship with the City, it feels like the perfect collaboration.
Who was your most influential teacher or educator and why?
I would have to say my ballet teacher who taught me through my formative years. From the shy three-year-old who was too scared to join in (with thanks to my mum who persisted for months on end!) to a more confident and independent 18-year-old. She had faith in me at times when I had a real lack of confidence in myself. I can remember classes where we barely danced at all. If somebody in the class was struggling and needed a chat we would sit and have a chat. She would give us life advice. A ballet teacher doesn’t just teach ballet, they teach children how to be well-rounded individuals. I have experienced moments where my own students have needed that extra bit of support and it makes the job all the more fulfilling.
What's your favourite holiday destination?
I love Croatia as a sunshine destination as it is so beautiful, hot and sunny but still green. I think Rome is still my favourite city destination. I have only been there once but was amazed by turning corners and just stumbling across these incredible historical landmarks such as the Colosseum or Pantheon.
Do you have a favourite book or album?
My favourite album has to be Madonna’s ‘The Immaculate Collection’. Simply because I've listened to it since I was about nine years old, and I never get bored of it. It is my go-to holiday music. I love 80s music.
What would people be surprised to learn about you? I have had a couple of minor television appearances! I was an extra in an episode of Torchwood around 12 years ago, dressed as a policewoman rushing through the chaos of people murdered by monsters in the police station. It was hilarious because I was the tiniest policewoman and they couldn't find a costume small enough. If you look very carefully you can see my arm and then the back of my head. I also danced a Swan Lake style solo at somebody’s wedding on an episode of Celebrity Wedding Planner. The ‘celebrities’ organising the wedding were Charlotte and Gaz from Geordie Shore. No, I’d never heard of them either.