I started at the University on a fixed term contract as a Programme Administrator at our beautiful Greenlands campus. I was a recent graduate, not entirely sure what I wanted to do as a career, but knew that I wanted to work in the charity or education sector, supporting others to achieve their goals as well as utilise my organisational skills.
I first joined the University in 2012 as a trainee technician in the School of Biological Sciences. Now a Technical Manager, I provide teaching support as well as indirect research support. There’s a huge variety of work: prepping equipment and solutions, showing students how to use equipment and demonstrating techniques during term time, and assisting with the maintenance of research labs throughout the year.
I like the variety within the School of Biological Sciences, as well as the people I work with. If you’re part of a good team – and I certainly am – it means you’ve got a great place to work.
I’m the Head of the School of the Built Environment My remit is to provide academic leadership and management within the School. I am also the Programme Director for our MSc Design and Management of Sustainable Built Environments course.
I actually came to Reading in two spells. The first time was in 2001 as a master’s student, and a year later I was hired as a Research Assistant before I left to pursue my PhD in 2004. I came back in 2009 as an Academic Fellow, and then in 2011 I became a lecturer.
After adoption leave, coming back to work meant adapting to a landscape that felt both familiar and new. A recently merged team, unfamiliar faces, and a different management structure made it feel like I was stepping into uncharted territory.
I was incredibly lucky to have unwavering support from a couple of wonderful colleagues and my new line manager. Their understanding made the transition smoother and far less daunting.
