What has your career path (in and out of the LSE) been like to date?
I’ve not really had a straightforward career path: I have two o’levels and two degrees with quite a few years in between them. I left Edinburgh at 17, spent my twenties in the 1980s working for various chartered surveyors in London, and thereafter short detours in Israel, the US, Australia and … Hull.
How long have you worked at the LSE?
I came as a temp to LSE in 1990 after spending 6 months travelling with absolutely no intention of joining the permanent staff, but somehow here I still am. I began in the Department of Geography but took the opportunity to help set up a new initiative in 1993, the Gender Institute, where I still work.
What does your job entail?
I manage the day to day running of the Gender Institute and I’m pretty much involved in most things, working in tandem with our MSc programme manager. There’s a lot to do with our PhD programme, five master’s degrees, hundreds of students, a packed events programme, a growing faculty and our research initiatives - there is never a dull moment.
What bits about your job get you out of bed in the morning?
The thought of my emails and to-do list. I worry I will have forgotten about something.
What's the best thing about working at the LSE?
The best thing about working at the LSE are the staff and students. For me, this is most directly people at the Gender Institute, but I was reminded recently just how much this is true at two separate events: (1) at an event for long-serving members of staff, which showed there are quite a few 20+ year staff at LSE, and (2) at our own Institute 20th birthday event, where I spent a considerable part of the day catching up with so many alumni and familiar faces.
What advice would you give to people who want to join us at the LSE?
If you are looking for administrative work with a difference, in a dynamic working environment, and with an opportunity to really get involved, then I would definitely encourage you to apply to LSE. It offers great staff development and training and good terms and conditions. At LSE you are not confined to your department/section but are encouraged to interact across the School and create your own networks, which is hugely rewarding and makes LSE such a dynamic place to work.