Robert N.
About me
| Robert N. | |
| Language and Linguistic Science | |
| Linguistics & ELT | |
| Taught Postgraduate | |
| Alcuin | |
| 1987 | |
| United Kingdom |
My employment
| Teacher/lecturer in EFL/EAP (retired) | |
| United Kingdom | |
| Education | |
| Large business (250+ employees) |
More about Robert
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A day in the life of a Teacher/lecturer in EFL/EAP (retired) in the United Kingdom
Briefly describe the organisation you work for
I am now retired.
What do you do?
I retired in 2011. Before that I worked in various language schools and FE colleges as a teacher of EFL, & occasionally French & Italian. Most recently I taught English for Academic Purposes for 10 years at the University of the West of England.
Reflecting upon your past employment and education, what led you to your current career choice?
I "fell into" this career in the late 70s, as many then did - having taught for a year in Italy, to fund my studies at York, I thought "I was born for this!" and determined that I would return to a full-time working life in EFL.
Is your current job sector different from what you thought you would enter when you graduated?
No surprises there.
Describe your most memorable day at work
Impossible. Every day was different, every class was different, every student was different, and all were memorable.
Are there any challenges associated with your job?
It's very tiring to be thinking on your feet and filling every minute when you are in class, and always ready to help students (and colleagues) when asked. You have no time to be bored!
What’s your work environment and culture like?
You often feel taken for granted; but you are always valued by your immediate colleagues and by your students.
What extracurricular activities did you undertake at university and what transferable skills did you develop through these?
I undertook a fairly in-depth examination of the pubs of York and the beers therein. However, I would not recommend the hangovers.
What would you like to do next with your career?
Enjoy my retirement.
What top tips do you have for York students preparing for today’s job market and life after graduation?
Write a great CV that will positively impress an employer within 60 seconds of opening it. Tell the truth, and tell it concisely - employers can always smell flannel. And horse poo. Then, if don't get the first, second, or twentieth job you apply for, don't give up! And finally, remember - the first years of your working life are an apprenticeship, a time to learn from others, so you can expect to have to take things on the chin.
What topics from students are you happy to answer questions on?
Ask away, and if I can't help I'll say so. I'm not too hot on nuclear physics, for example.
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