Even though many of our graduates will have progressed in their careers since completing a case study, they are still of interest to students who wish to gain an understanding of the world of work.

Manage the staffing and financial resources of the department to ensure it can continue to function to support the core mission of the University. Oversee departmental finance, staffing, communications and accommodation, and manage HR strategy and departmental planning.

Line manage a small team of staff.
Create and review content for the department's website and other communication channels.
Meet with colleagues from the department and the wider University and contribute to a range of projects, sometimes chairing working groups.

I particularly enjoy the aspects of teamwork and problem solving that the role brings. There is also the opportunity to devise innovative and creative approaches.

There are sometimes tough decisions to make around staffing or financial matters.

It is a varied job, with the opportunity to get involved with lots of different aspects of the work of the department.

Analytical skills (particularly when planning budgets or reviewing financial forecasts)
People management skills
Communication skills

On-the-job training explaining the role from the previous role-holder, plus specific technical training on some of the IT systems that are required for finances.

Temporary and then permanent administrative work for Royal Mail in their HR Service Centre, dealing with mainly pay-related transactions (18 months)

Pay and Reward Officer for the University of Sheffield. Worked on a series of different projects over the years such as the introduction of the new pay structure, reform of pension scheme. (9 years)

Current role as Departmental Manager (1 year)

I would like to continue in the management area, either within the University or beyond.

I took the route of gaining experience at a relatively junior level before looking for opportunities to move up, and it was an approach that did me no harm.