Centre Administrator Review

I manage the administration of a research centre which involves coordinating research grant applications, building and maintaining a website, updating social media channels, producing and analysing financial reports, organising seminars and other research events, planning and hosting internship opportunities, working with funders on research projects and events, and ensuring the long-term strategy of the centre is followed.

I have been able to expand on my past experience in producing and analysing financial statements by having some formal accountancy theory training on my programme which has been invaluable in taking foward the financial strategy of the centre. I have also been able to professionally practice web development which I had taught myself outside of work previously.

I am very satisfied with my role and have significant trust from colleagues to independently manage my workload. The programme has been able to offer excellent training modules that I can quickly and effectively implement into my daily work to both improve the quality of my output and the efficiency in which it is produced.

The structure of my training is mostly well organised and coherent however there are some areas with room for improvement in how the modular curriculum is structured. Some modules are very private-sector focussed which can make the progress across the academic year feel not as fluid as it could be.

I have felt fully supported throughout my time on this apprenticeship so far. I receive ample opportunities in my regular workload to evidence the learning and training that I am required to do so for my programme but feel that if I do require anything further from my employer then it would not be an issue to attain this.

The course is for the most part well organised and has excellent teaching. However some modules have unclear handbooks and assignment tasks which leave far too much room for ambiguity which is unhelpful. I also note that the full set of books on the reading list for the course are not available in the provider's library.

With the opportunity of attending formal classes on many areas of work that I have no prior qualifications but some experience in, it has given me significantly more confidence in approaching new and complex tasks. I have thoroughly enjoyed being able to implement new strategies and management theories immediately in the workplace following lectures.

I regular attend networking events for both administrators and academics. There are plenty of sport and hobby societies for a multitude of interests and pasttimes that are well organised and inclusive for both staff and students. There are always lectures, workshops and classes open for staff to attend throughout the year.

Yes

It is a large organisation with plentiful opportunities for progression with a keen focus on staff development. If you have the drive to succeed in a career working in Higher Education, the University of Oxford is an ideal place to gain sector-wide knowledge and quickly learn in a positive and supportive environment.

Many roles require a wide-ranging diverse skillset for administrative functions so making the most of your transferable skills would be key in submitting an application. Any institutional or Higher Education sector knowledge would equally be beneficial. A positive and open mind that is keen to engage in the world-leading teaching and research activities going on throughout the institution will get you far.