Lucy Pollard
What is your current role?
I currently work in the Undergraduate team as an administrative assistant.
We do a range of roles including supporting students at reception, on the phone or via email. We prepare for events such as open days/ poster events/ trips and lots of work on Tabula including mark releases, attendance monitoring and extensions. I’m sure there is a lot more to learn!
Which skills help you most in being able to perform your role?
I would say attention to detail (especially with Excel spreadsheets!) I think you need to be good at communication, listening, be organised and prepared for what is happening in the coming weeks.
How has your education or roles previous to joining Life Sciences, informed your interests, and why did you choose this career direction?
I did a degree in Psychology and Education at Aberystwyth University which was a great community and place to study. I then worked in childcare (various ages) for 8 years in Special Education and as a Special Educational Needs Coordinator. This experience taught me that there are so many different ways to communicate (non-verbal being one of the biggest and use of Makaton - this slips out occasionally during conversation), and that ultimately disability should never be a barrier to education! I then worked in the NHS for a few years on a reception and worked with various professionals such as occupation therapists, speech and language therapists, mental health and paediatric doctors. This was a huge learning curve and I learned a lot of administrative/ people skills during this time. I always thought that the University of Warwick would be a lovely place to work and hopefully my previous skills would help me in this role (so far so good I think).
What is your favourite place on campus and why?
I have not explored central campus much but I enjoy walking in the woods and by the pond near Gibbet Hill campus. It's nice to get away from the computer screen every now and then. I have been to the Warwick Arts Centre for some comedy and music events and been to the sports centre a few times.
Can you give an example of something that has made you feel part of the community while in Life Sciences?
My colleagues! From day one they have made me feel very welcome and I feel like I can be myself. Life Sciences have put on a few social events that I have enjoyed.
What are your main interests or passions, outside of work?
I enjoy the great outdoors, I like being active whether it’s running, walking, swimming or kayaking and have dabbled in climbing, so may have to take advantage of the climbing wall at the sports centre. I love going to musicals, an expensive treat has become a regular habit!
April 2024