Case studies: First year administrator: Alexa

Alexa has a BA in Drama and Film Studies from Anglia Ruskin University

I work as a first year administrator at the University of Essex Colchester Campus and have worked in this role since March 2007. I had relevant experience in various outlets in both administrative and customer facing roles, which provided me with the necessary skills to increase my employability in an administrative role.

Initially, I registered with an agency for help in finding an administrave vacancy, but found this route to be unsuccessful, so I also searched the internet for vacancies and asked my network of friends to let me know if a suitable position came up in their organisation. Networking proved fruitful, as I was told about a vacancy at the University of Essex. The role I applied for required several more years’ work experience than I had and, although my application proved unsuccessful for that particular job, one week later, I was offered a more suitable position that had arisen.

In my experience, paying attention to your covering letter and CV, ensuring that it highlights your skills, is very important, as is being confident and friendly at interviews.

My job is extremely varied and includes:

• assisting students on a daily basis, taking in and handing back essays and dealing with their general enquiries;
• producing handbooks, class lists, module outlines;
• monitoring and maintaining stock levels,
• organisation of large events and conferences;
• updating sections of our website;
• representing the University’s Sociology Department at open days and visits;
• servicing committees.

Eventually, I would like to develop and progress my career further, moving to a more senior role in the University. I feel that the experience and knowledge I’m gaining in my current job will greatly enhance my prospects.

My work can be challenging at times but I thoroughly enjoy interacting with students and academics alike and have a good working relationship my colleagues.