How would you describe Strathclyde in three words?
Caring, family-friendly
What attracted you to work at Strathclyde?
Strathclyde University has a brilliant reputation, across the UK and internationally, it gets a good name as an employer and as a place of higher education. I thought this might be an organisation where I could secure a job for life, which for me is a massive bonus. This encouraged me to consider here as a place of employment. When a suitable job was advertised I applied and thankfully was successful, after working here for 20 years in hindsight it was absolutely the right decision to take employment with the university.
What has your experience been like working at Strathclyde?
I have had, and I am continuing to have, a fantastic experience working at Strathclyde University. It is an organisation which is very forward thinking when it comes to flexibility for employees who have commitments such as looking after children. They understand the importance of being family friendly. The support you receive when you do become a parent is second to none, it is a good support system and allows you to continue your employment when you return to work without any setbacks. This is one of the reasons my experience working here has been so positive, they take your individual circumstances into account and work with you to make sure you are comfortable and prepared to return to work.
It is an organisation which is very forward thinking when it comes to flexibility for employees who have commitments such as looking after children. They understand the importance of being family friendly.
Do you like working in the city centre of Glasgow and what are the highlights of this?
I have always lived in the city centre of Glasgow and I love it. Everything you need is on your doorstep and the shopping is great!
Why do you like working at the University?
Job security is definitely the best thing about working here for me. The University makes me feel safe and in control of what my future will be. Job security is crucial to me because I have a family to support who rely on my income from this job. It’s just great to come into work every day and know I have a secure role.
What has been your greatest achievement while working at Strathclyde?
The way my career has progressed during my 20 years here has been a massive highlight, certainly my greatest achievement. I have worked hard and I am now carrying out a senior role in my department, which I am extremely proud of.
Does anything significant stand out to you about the University?
Practically wise, Strathclyde University offers great benefits to staff members who work here. A few great highlights would be salary levels, conditions of employment, annual leave entitlement and family friendly benefits. One that jumps to my mind as being fantastic is the pension scheme – you can become part of a great pension scheme here! Another point to make about this university is the high standard of value and respect every type of job role has here, regardless if you are a cleaner, admin staff or the Principle – you are treated equally and your contributions are recognised.
A few great highlights would be salary levels, conditions of employment, annual leave entitlement and family friendly benefits. One that jumps to my mind as being fantastic is the pension scheme.
What has your Career progression been like and have you had access to any opportunities working here at Strathclyde?
I started with the University 20 years ago as a CCTV operator. Gradually throughout my time here I have progressed in the security department and taken on different roles within this area, all of which I have enjoyed. I am now doing a Senior Security Warden role and I hope to continue to progress into more Senior Roles in future. There are fantastic training opportunities here, especially the online training that everyone has access to and I intend to continue taking advantage of these courses to ensure I become more experienced and knowledgeable to further progress my career here.