Please could you tell me about your role and remit at your University?
My remit spans all of the University’s marketing, from our strategic brand positioning to our student recruitment marketing. I oversee stakeholder communications too, from the messages we circulate with potential applicants, alumni and students, through to staff members etc. There is also a very important element in working with the press and media and communicating within the UK and internationally.
How did you come to work in higher education?
This is my first role in higher education, as I came into the sector relatively late. My career has taken me through a variety of roles in both the public and private sector, the latter ranging from start-ups to FTSE 100 companies. I have worked with universities in many of my previous roles and it’s a sector in which I have always been interested. When this particular role came up, for me it ticked all the boxes and it has turned out to be a great move.
Would you say your role is rewarding and meaningful?
It’s a hugely rewarding job. Working in a university is a very rewarding place to be, because fundamentally universities are doing something that really benefits society. We are educating generations of students, who go on to make their own contributions to the world. Also, helping students find the right university for them, that will help them transform their lives, is a rewarding thing to do. Equally, universities are full of fascinating people and very interesting research. Part of my role is communicating these research outputs to a much broader audience, sharing the great work that academic colleagues are doing. By developing new solutions to the world’s problems, universities can make a real difference and contribute significantly to society.
Please could you tell us about the development opportunities you’ve had throughout your career?
In terms of development, the chance to be leading a team that plays a very important role for a university, is a tremendous opportunity. Over the five years that I’ve been at the University of Dundee we’ve really built up the Marketing and Communications team and that’s been very rewarding.
In terms of personal development, I’ve been very fortunate. I was sponsored by the University to go on a global developing leaders programme. It gave me an insight into how higher education works in Australia, which broadened my own horizons and gave me new ideas. Another opportunity that I have enjoyed has been the chance to mentor other members of staff. This has happened through the Aurora programme, which helps women at higher education institutions to develop their leadership skills. It’s also happened through the internal leadership development programme at the University of Dundee. Mentoring people through both programmes has been rewarding; it’s great to be able to give back.
Please could you tell me of any notable opportunities you’ve had in terms of experience?
There’s a well-developed networking group among HE marketing directors in the UK. This has been very helpful for building my network, and we’ve set up a similar group in Scotland. I’ve also attended conferences and spoken at conferences, and both have provided good development and networking opportunities. The sector overall is very supportive. Yes, we are competitors, but we also work together, share ideas and it is a very friendly sector to work in. Having worked in different parts of the private sector, I find working in higher education is more collaborative and that’s very rewarding in itself.
Please tell us about your experience of the facilities on campus for university life/wellbeing?
What’s great about working in universities is that they are such diverse organisations; there’s always a lot going on around campus. It could be cultural events such as concerts, talks, lectures on every topic from art to science. There’s also a lot going on in terms of sports and we have good sports facilities on campus that staff can access. We have our own nursery also. Universities are organisations that really do try and take care of their staff in terms of benefits; on the whole they are a very good place to work.
What has been your career highlight whilst working in higher education?
Last year our team won Higher Education Marketing Team of the Year at the UK’s leading higher education marketing awards. This for me was a career highlight because it was recognition from our peers that we’re doing a good job, which is hugely meaningful. What was also nice was the praise we received from colleagues across the University.
What are your tips for those considering a professional services career in higher education?
There are lots of opportunities in a university and it’s a career that’s truly rewarding. For me, the extent of my experience outside the sector meant I was bringing something different to the sector. Every time I have moved somewhere, I’ve gained new types of knowledge, skills and insights that I’ve brought to higher education.
My career advice to people generally would be, do consider moving around, and be aware that higher education absolutely has a lot to offer. It’s rewarding personally and professionally. It’s an interesting place to work and there are lots of opportunities to do different things. There are very different types of universities as well, everything from the ancients to much more modern universities, each with different missions. I would say that anyone can find a home in the higher education sector, it’s just a question of finding the institution that’s a good fit for you. Fundamentally, feeling that you’re contributing something to society really does make a difference when you get up in the morning.
This interview was conducted before the Coronavirus Pandemic. Working arrangements on university campuses may have changed due to social distancing measures.