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.

Run all central IT, with a team of 150, in supoprt of teaching, research and engagement.

Three main things -
- Running the department
- Advocating for technology and its use around the University
- Acting as an advocate for the University in the wider world.

I want to do something that matters - education of 21000 people and moving back boundaries of knowledge both matter, as does developing the region.

Balancing priorities - there is always more demand for systems than capacity to deliver.
Organisational politics.
Project management

I enjoy making things work as effectively as possible, using technology.

Directly, few - but the interpersonal skills gained in living in different countries and speaking different languages are transferable.

A great deal, both personal and professional. Formal workshops and coaching.

Mercedes-Benz - 1985-1986 - Organisation analyst

Allgeier Computer, Germany, UK and USA - 1986-1989 Systems Consultant

ICI - 1989-1999 - various IT, planning, project management and finance roles

Viasystems Inc - 1999-2003 - Group Planning Manager to IT Director

Sunderland City Council - 2003-2008 - IT Director

There may be one more job in me....!! But it would need to be exceptional, as I enjoy what I do.

Have a clear vision, but be flexible. In my case, it was that I wanted to go into international business and use my fluent German.

Happy to provide input to languages students looking for business or other non-language-specific careers.