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Roscoe - 
Business Manager to the Deputy Vice-Chancellors (Education and Innovation & External Engagement)

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.

About the job

Main responsibilities

As Business Manager to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Innovation and External Engagement), I provide executive support and business management across the entire range of issues within the two DVC portfolios. In particular this is achieved through drafting reports, policy research and horizon scanning and briefings. Working closely with the relevant Professional Services teams I undertake work and projects relating to the DVCs' work and assist them in the development and implementation of the University’s core strategies, including the University's Education Strategy (2014-2020) and the University’s Regional Strategy.

My duties also include:
- Secretary to the Education Executive;
- Deputy Secretary to the Vice-Chancellor’s Executive Group;
- Point of contact for information regarding the University’s Education Strategy.

Typical day

My day is extremely varied, no two days are the same. Usually I will have a number of meetings with colleagues across the University about relevant issues including quality assurance, higher education policy, curriculum design, innovation and knowledge exchange, our relationship with the local community (and many more!)

I will also spend time at my desk catching up on emails, keeping up to date with developments in the higher education sector and writing papers for committees, speeches, briefings and managing a small team.

What do I enjoy about my job?

The people I work with - I get to work with great academics and great students!

Challenging aspects

I have a lot of things to juggle - working for two different DVCs, both with huge portfolios means that I have to prioritise my workload a lot and sometimes work long hours!

Why did this area of work appeal to me?

I am able to apply a number of skills that I have developed over the years including: policy and data analysis, writing, research, teamwork, communication, strategic planning, political liaison and many more.

Skills/qualifications I use in my job?

I am able to apply a number of skills that I have developed over the years including: policy and data analysis, writing, research, teamwork, communication, strategic planning, political liaison and many more.


Career information

Brief history since leaving University

2012-2014 - Research Officer, The University of Sheffield
2014-2015 - Student Participation Officer, Kingston University
2015-Present - Business Manager to the DVCs Education and Innovation & External Engagement

Prince 2 Practitioner in Project Management

Also a number of Trusteeships:
2012 - 2015 - Non-Executive Director/Trustee at Sheffield City Trust
2012-Present - Young Charity Trustees Ambassador
2014-2016 - Trustee & Deputy Chair, Union of UEA Students
2015 - Present - Trustee at Young Devon
2016 - Present - Member of National Union of Students People & Talent Direction and Oversight Board

Where do I see myself in the future?

One day I would like to be the Registrar & Secretary of a University (basically the Chief Operating Officer)


Advice to students

My piece of advice to students

The vast majority of psychology students do not go on to a role directly related to Psychology. Always think about the skills that you learn as part of your degree and you can apply them across a variety of roles and careers.

Other comments

I did not think that I would end up in a role as a Higher Education Administrator but I have to say that it is now a career that I doubt I will leave.



Send Roscoe a question about their career.


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Last updated: 23 Jun 2017