Jon B.

Lecturer
Happy to mentor
Happy to be contacted

About me

Jon B.
Electronics
Music Technology
Research Postgraduate
James
2016
United Kingdom

My employment

Lecturer
University of Derby
United Kingdom
Education

More about Jon

Mature student

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A day in the life of a Lecturer in the United Kingdom

After 35 years as a concert touring live sound engineer, I decided to retire from life on the road and teach. I am hoping to bring my many years of experience to future generations.

Briefly describe the organisation you work for

University of Derby

What do you do?

Lecturer in Entertainment Engineering with a specialist interest in sound engineering and acoustics.

Reflecting upon your past employment and education, what led you to your current career choice?

After 35 years as a concert touring live sound engineer, I decided to retire from life on the road and teach. I am hoping to bring my many years of experience to future generations.

Is your current job sector different from what you thought you would enter when you graduated?

I have found education to be different from what I envisaged in that I am teaching a much wider range of subjects.

Describe your most memorable day at work

Any day when I feel I have managed to engage students and given them an insight into a profession which I worked in for so many years, and in which I looked forward to work every day.

Are there any challenges associated with your job?

Teaching is hard work. The teaching bit is fun but you need to put in the same amount of time preparing lectures, marking and there is a massive amount of admin to do!

What’s your work environment and culture like?

I work in a great department. It is small, we share a single office, and we all get on. However, universities are large bureaucratic behemoths, it is easy to feel lost and ignored. If you do look for a teaching job pay attention to your close colleagues, they will make the difference!

What extracurricular activities did you undertake at university and what transferable skills did you develop through these?

I was part-time however I did my York Teaching Award, leading to me being able to complete my Associate Fellowship of the HE Academy. This got me my teaching job, so well worth doing!

What would you like to do next with your career?

I am in my next career... after this? Writing....

What top tips do you have for York students preparing for today’s job market and life after graduation?

Be prepared, Have a good Linkedin page, CV, and a good work ethic. Know the employer before you apply. Adapt your CV to match their needs. Have questions at the interview. Be interested and engaged!!!

What topics from students are you happy to answer questions on?

Anything...

Is there anything else you’d like to tell us?

I have worked in music and music-related jobs all my life and I still look forward to work every day!!

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