Reflecting on my two years at the University of Suffolk

Unbelievably, the 1st of February will mark two years since I joined the University of Suffolk . I have no idea where that time has gone, but what an incredibly busy and enjoyable time it has been, well, apart from currently recovering from hip surgery! A big thank you again to Amy Carpenter and Christopher Huggins for giving me the opportunity to join UoS (Chris, I hope everything is going well at Cambridge and the Institute of Continuing Education?).

I have been incredibly fortunate to join and work within a wonderful and supportive careers team (you all know who you are) who have all made me feel incredibly welcome, even before I got through the door. I am very much looking forward to seeing everyone in person when I start returning to working on-site, I am hoping the 10th of February will be my first day back in the office.

During my time here at UoS, it has been amazing to build fantastic working relationships with so many academics across the School of Social Science and Humanities (far too many to name, so please forgive me) and support the incredible work they do with their students. This has been particularly rewarding when it comes to the inclusion of employability across all degree programmes. I am especially pleased with the work done supporting Dr. Reilly Anne Dempsey Willis in developing the new Level 4 Law, Ethics, Justice, and the Legal Profession module.

Most importantly, it has been a privilege to work with and support so many students over the last two years, whether through one-to-one sessions or lessons/workshop delivered within the curriculum, has been incredibly rewarding. I feel that this is where I feel my greatest strengths lie, and the part of my role I love the most. By challenging and encouraging students to reflect on and evaluate their skills, values, knowledge, and aspirations, exploring their career options, supporting their transitions into the next stages of their career journeys, assisting in the development of CVs and cover letters, and preparing for interviews. I hope I am helping students to develop the career development and management skills that will serve them throughout their career journey.

While supporting students has been my key focus, these past two years have seen a lot of professional and personal growth. Being part of an award-winning careers team has been an incredible achievement, showcasing our team’s expertise and dedication to supporting students on their career journeys. I passed my Post Graduate Certificate of Academic Practice (thanks for your support Javiera Atenas and Dr Laura J Reeves for your support), receiving a letter of commendation for the quality of my assignments. This was a testament not only to my commitment to academic and professional excellence in the teaching aspects of my role but an acknowledgement of the expertise I have worked hard to develop in the field of careers development and management. Further demonstrating my commitment to continuous professional development, something which is incredibly important to me. Achieving Fellowship status with the Higher Education Academy was a nice added bonus.

I have had the opportunity to oversee a research project exploring the university’s Graduate Attributes. Gaining insights from employers, academics, and students has provided valuable perspectives on how we can better prepare students for their future careers and shape the inclusion of employability within degree programmes at UoS. Recently, I joined the AGCAS pool of trainers (thanks for the gentle nudge, Matthew Howard ), and I am excited about getting involved in the coming months. Another highlight will be having my first article published in the upcoming edition of the Career Development Institute Career Matters magazine. Hopefully, it will prove to be an interesting read. A big thank you to the amazing William E. Donald for his encouragement.

Personally, there have been significant firsts and achievements. Being shortlisted for the National Institute for Career Education and Counselling Bill Law Student Award was a standout moment. Participating in the 3MT was an interesting experience that pushed me completely out of my comfort zone, which is always a good thing, as that is where growth truly happens.

I have begun dipping my toe into article writing on LinkedIn, sharing my insights and reflections with a broader audience with the aim of supporting HE students as they prepare for their transitions into the labour market. I have done some blogging, exploring the three stages of my career journey through the lenses of different career theories for Chris Webb 's brilliant weekly careers newsletter, which is a real must for any careers development professional. It was tough reflecting on some difficult parts of my journey, but it was a rewarding way to connect careers theory with my personal experience.

Reflecting on my two years at the University of Suffolk, it would be remiss of me not to acknowledge that my anniversary coincides with Bella Doswell and Katherine Jennick RCDP fantastic #SoMuchMoreThanTalkingAboutJobs campaign. It has done so much to raise awareness of just what we as careers development professionals actually do, it is an important campaign that I am proud to support. I am loving this year's global theme.

In the coming months, I am excited about completing my PgDip in Education Studies this June, as well as starting to explore working towards Senior Fellowship with the Higher Education Academy, developing further my skills, knowledge, and expertise.

The driving force behind everything that I have done and achieved over the last two years has been the desire to continue to push and develop myself as a Careers Development Professional and pracademic, so that I can best support the students, academics, and professional services staff I have the pleasure to work with.

Who knows what the next year has in store for me, but I am looking forward to the journey and the growth and development it will bring.

#SoMuchMoreThanTalkingAboutJobs