Naomi P.
About me
| Naomi P. | |
| English Lit | |
| Taught Postgraduate |
My employment
| International Adviser | |
| The British Academy | |
| United Kingdom | |
| Science and research |
Like this profile?
Add this profile to your favourites so you can return to it later from your account.
A day in the life of a International Adviser in the United Kingdom
Make sure whatever you're learning is future-facing. The job market is changing very very quickly.
Briefly describe the organisation you work for
The British Academy
What do you do?
Project Coordinate international activities within the BA's portfolio of projects. Most recently, this has included organising two research workshops in Brazil, and coordinating a series of activities related to urban violence.
Reflecting upon your past employment and education, what led you to your current career choice?
Always interested in Higher Education/research as a sector as a profession since working through postgraduate degrees. I completed a graduate scheme in Higher Education leadership and management in 2016, which brought me here. Universities are really interesting organisations to work for, and very unique.
Is your current job sector different from what you thought you would enter when you graduated?
Yes. I expected that I would have worked in PR/advertising as all of the career advice I was given as a creative/English grad. I was never interested in what I perceived to be 'bending the truth' for a living. It took me a long time to work out that I enjoyed working within a University professional services, not just as a student. I had wanted to work for NGOs and charities but that can be very difficult to get into (especially for paid work) without experience and qualifications.
Describe your most memorable day at work
I went to Rio this year with the British Academy, which was really exciting!
Are there any challenges associated with your job?
Many! Working with people in different timezones, working to deadlines etc. and working with very very senior academics.
What’s your work environment and culture like?
Fairly toxic at times due to the competitive nature of the schemes we run. Otherwise, very collaborative.
What extracurricular activities did you undertake at university and what transferable skills did you develop through these?
French language, sports/running, charity and fundraising. Language skills, ability to travel.
What would you like to do next with your career?
Project manage my own portfolio of international programmes ideally! .
What top tips do you have for York students preparing for today’s job market and life after graduation?
Make sure whatever you're learning is future-facing. The job market is changing very very quickly. Don't be afraid to experiment whilst you're still young.
What topics from students are you happy to answer questions on?
Anything!
Next steps...
If you like the look of Naomi’s profile, the next steps are down to you! You can send Naomi a message to find out more about their career journey. If you feel you would benefit from more in-depth conversations, ask Naomi to be your mentor.