 Day In The Life Of: Andrea Browne
Tell us about your day:
7am-9am
Breakfast, feed the goldfish and then aim to leave the house by 8am. During the summer I think about cycling in.
9am-12 noon
On a typical day I start by checking the various inboxes, I am training myself to do this three times a day rather than constantly checking. I will deal with anything that has come in overnight, check the Directorate diaries to see if there have been any changes and look at my own action list. I catch up with the team so we can deal with any new issues and together we make sure the Principal and Directors are ready for their own day ahead. The aim is for everyone in the right place, at the right time, with the right information. Hopefully this is all done with a smooth, calm, swan like appearance, so you shouldn’t be able to see the frantic paddling underneath, unless you know me well enough to read my body language!
12 noon – 2pm
Normally I try and take lunch between meetings but a few times a month I would try and meet a friend or colleague for lunch and a catch up.
2pm – 6pm
I am also project manager for the Transition Team and part of my day will involve spending time checking progress against the project plan and working with the group. I took up that role in April of this year and I am enjoying working with the team on a wide and varied range of tasks. Each day is different and could involve dealing with DEL for Assembly questions, Minister or MLA information requests, co-ordinating and attending the weekly Executive Team meetings or the sector groups I am involved in, attending Good to Great Team meetings, organising diaries and events, travel plans and anything else that needs to be done. Last task of the day is to roll over the action list for the morning and a final check off the diaries to make sure everything is ready for the morning.
6pm- Bed
Aim to leave the office by 5.30 pm though depends on the day. Might stop at Victoria Park on the way home for a walk. I have a Couch to 5K app on my mobile but it’s not going too well. Could be a glass of wine with a friend or tea at home and catch up with family. Prepare lunches and breakfast and think about what to wear the next day, usually something that doesn’t need ironed. ….and do it all again tomorrow.
Questions
What is the most satisfying thing about your job?
The variety of work, the range of people I deal with daily and knowing that what I do with the support team means the Principal and Directors can focus on the strategic issues and can be confident that the day-to-day is dealt with. The nature of my job means that I don’t work directly with the students so it is satisfying if I find a lost one in the corridor and I can help.
Describe yourself in one word.
Cool, Collected, Diplomatic and Measured (that’s four words oops!)
What might someone be surprised to know about you?
I am a season ticket holder for Ulster Rugby, I go for the beer and chips, Colin is rugby obsessed. I am still working on recognising the team.
Top tip or word of advice (either personal or work related)
Live for today; plan for tomorrow and remember yesterday.
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
Keep your eyes open and your feet moving forward you’ll find what you need.
Who is your inspiration?
I don’t think I could single out any one person. My parents, daughter, partner and friends have all been an inspiration to me at different stages of my life and I also get my inspiration from a desire to be the best person I can.
What could you not live without?
Chocolate and family, possibly in that order.
Tell us a joke
I am not good at telling jokes, always forget the punchline but here goes ….. What do computers eat for a snack…. Microchips……I know, it is not funny……
If I were to win the lottery I would …………
I only do the lottery very occasionally so it would be a happy surprise…..cash to the family and charity then passport in hand we would be off to the warmer weather.
What was your first job?
Part-time in Stewarts while at Bangor Tech.
Who are the top five people you would invite to a dinner party?
My friends… nice food and wine, great friends and lots of laughs… good recipe for a great evening.
Who would star in a movie about you?
I was once told I looked like Cassandra from Only Fools and Horses so if she was available….
Who/what is your favourite musical artist/band?
At the moment I have Florence and the Machine’s new album on repeat. Last band I saw was U2 over the summer.
What is your favourite TV show?
The Good Wife and usually catch an episode of Family Guy at the end of the day. I am also working through the Mad Men box set.
Day In The Life Of: Jonathan Heggarty
 Tell us about your day:
8am- 6pm
My day typically starts at 8am in my office, working through emails and actions from the previous day.
As you might expect, I attend a wide range of meetings every day from early morning to sometimes late evening from Heads of School, Heads of Faculty, Governing Body to external stakeholders and DEL, which keeps me very busy but makes each day varied and interesting.
My main focus is making sure that the curriculum is running smoothly to support students. This involves me working with my teams and ensuring that the quality of the courses is the best it can be.
I also work closely with the five other Colleges across Northern Ireland. We work together to share information that is relevant to each other’s development and we ensure good practice throughout.
I also attend learner celebration events such as graduations throughout the year. I like to see students’ hard work pay off for them and it’s great to recognise their achievements.
6pm – Bed
After work I switch off by walking the dog, reading, listening to music or if I’m lucky catching a film at the cinema.
Questions
What is the most satisfying thing about your job?
Although I’m new to this role, I have been in FE for over 12 years and my desire has always been to make a difference in the lives and futures of the students I engage with. I see this new role in that light.
What do you wish other people knew about your area?
In my new role, I have a much wider appreciation of what we do as a College. Seeing the difference the College makes to so many lives is wonderful and something we should all be proud of.
Describe yourself in one word.
Dedicated.
What might someone be surprised to know about you?
I am the inventor of a patent – sadly I don’t receive any royalties for it.
Top tip or word of advice (either personal or work related)
Act out of conviction and for the good of others.
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
Always do what is best for our students
Who is your inspiration?
I have been inspired by a range of colleagues, managers and leaders that I have worked with throughout my career. I am always inspired by those who show integrity and conviction in what they do.
What could you not live without?
I’m quite keen on technology but I’d better say family and friends.
If you could go back and change your career what would you be?
I always wanted to be a medical doctor growing up but I’m not that keen in seeing blood so IT seemed to be a better direction.
What was your first job?
My first job was in an electrical wholesalers which was great fun until I had a small mishap with a crowbar and my face.
Who/what is your favourite musical artist/band?
The Boss.
What is your favourite TV show?
I like comedies and am currently watching Fraser which is hard to beat. |
