Elizabeth C.
About me
| Elizabeth C. | |
| Education | |
| English and Education | |
| Undergraduate | |
| Langwith | |
| 2012 | |
| United Kingdom |
My employment
| Office Manager | |
| Gough and Co. (Engineering) Ltd. | |
| United Kingdom | |
| Engineering and manufacturing | |
| Small business (0-49 employees) | |
| 2021 |
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A day in the life of a Office Manager in the United Kingdom
Do not think that you have to do your degree subject for life - York and your degree will give you so many transferrable skills that you can use throughout your career!
Briefly describe the organisation you work for
Established in 1940, Gough Engineering has evolved into a market leader within materials handling across a wide variety of sectors worldwide. We have developed a vital portfolio of products covering all aspect of modern materials handling practices, from feeding to screening, elevating to conveying. Thanks to continuous innovation of our solutions based approach Gough have become renowned for our excellent customer service and integrity and durability of our products.
What do you do?
Reporting directly to the MD, responsible for all aspects of compliance and Office Management including: IMS and ISO compliance, Health and Safety, company insurances, international trade (including certificates of origin, letters of credit, shipping notes and customs clearance) and ensuring products complied with CE and UK CA markings as needed.
Acted as Managing Director’s PA, completing a variety of bespoke tasks including quotations, meeting minutes and agendas (including for the board/stakeholders), marketing tasks and tasks relating to office management. Completed financial reporting, including raising of invoices, chasing debtors, arranging payments, and managing bank accounts if needed.
Deputising in Parts and Service and Finance departments as needed, to cover for staff absence, annual leave and sickness.
Reflecting upon your past employment and education, what led you to your current career choice?
I previously completed an education degree and worked as a teacher for three years. Like many teachers, I experienced mental health issues (stress and anxiety) and found the workload untenable. I moved to work in corporate training and development and have since worked for two companies as an Office Manager, specialising in Compliance and Health and Safety.
Is your current job sector different from what you thought you would enter when you graduated?
Yes - I always wanted to be a teacher, but I now have responsibility for HR and training for the team; this 'scratches the itch' so to speak.
Describe your most memorable day at work
There have been many - I have stories of school trips gone wrong, planning a study tour for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and HRH Princess Anne, to the challenges of managing international trade today! (Meeting Princess Anne was probably the most memorable day!)
Are there any challenges associated with your job?
The main challenge is being part of a small staff team - my role encompasses being a PA, admin assistance, managing health and safety and compliance, aspects of finance and managing the office team. As soon as one person goes off, the others need to step up and step in - it makes the work varied and challenging at times!
What’s your work environment and culture like?
I work in the office full time (36 hours a week, Monday to Thursday 8am - 4pm and Fridays 8am - 2.30pm). We have a flexitime policy which helps with work life balance but the directors are good at encouraging additional learning and hobbies which makes it quite easy. We have a culture of honesty, accountability and expertise - this works well with focussing us. I wear standard office clothes with closed-toe shoes when I need to visit the workshop. PPE is available as and when I need it.
What extracurricular activities did you undertake at university and what transferable skills did you develop through these?
I took part in YSIS for three separate placements; I had a part time job working in the University library; I was the Secretary of the Babylon Volunteering Project (language lessons in primary schools) and I completed the York Award during my final year.
What would you like to do next with your career?
I'd like to develop the Health and Safety part of my role and, as the company or opportunities allow, take on a health and safety or compliance role full time.
What top tips do you have for York students preparing for today’s job market and life after graduation?
Do not think that you have to do your degree subject for life - York and your degree will give you so many transferrable skills that you can use throughout your career!
What topics from students are you happy to answer questions on?
Career options, teaching, education, engineering, volunteering, The York Award
Next steps...
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