What do you do in the school?

 I assist with a range of secretarial duties — managing emails, checking the diary, supporting the recruitment process, and sending letters to students.

What do you love about your job?

The people I work with. I’m lucky to have an amazing team, and I genuinely enjoy coming in each day to see them. I also get to hear music and performances in the Rec, which makes it a really lovely and interesting environment to work in.

How did you first get interested in your profession?

When I was at school, going to university wasn’t really an option — not many of my friends went, and it wasn’t as common as it is now. I wasn’t particularly academic, but I had good typing skills, did some business studies, and took office practice. My first job was as an office junior, which meant learning how the whole office ran. It was a great place to start, and I stayed with the company for fourteen years. When the company reorganised, I moved into marketing, and eventually my only option was to become a PA.

What are your most memorable achievements in getting into your job?

 I worked for an IT company and dealt with GCHQ. Once a month, I’d go to meetings with them. I was a registry clerk and produced receipts for the MOD. I was given that responsibility at just eighteen, which I thought was amazing — I was one of the youngest people working with such high‑profile clients.

Have you ever entered any events or competitions in your career?

No, not really. The most competitive I’ve ever been was probably back when I was at school.

Have you faced any challenges in your profession?

Not particularly. I’ve been fortunate to follow a fairly smooth path.

What keeps you going in this career?

It’s a role I’ve always felt I needed to do and it’s work I enjoy. Spending a few years temping gave me a wide range of valuable workplace skills, and that experience still helps me every day. I also love the feeling of making a difference — even when the impact isn’t visible to everyone, it’s rewarding to know I’ve achieved something meaningful behind the scenes.

Do you have any strategies or routines that help you in your career?

I try to stay calm, prioritise tasks, and be methodical. I often schedule reminder emails to keep myself on track throughout the day.

How do you plan out your day?

I work reactively — I check my inbox and deal with anything urgent first.

What advice would you give to students who want to pursue your job?

A lot of the things I learned at school aren’t taught anymore, but I’d definitely recommend learning to type properly, learning how to use a landline phone, and even learning shorthand. Pick up any skills you think will be useful in an office environment.

Are there any other inspirational moments in your career journey?

An ex‑RAF officer once told me, “Build yourself an empire.” He meant that I should make sure I know how to do things and be able to do what others can’t. That advice has stuck with me ever since.