Name: Rachael Reitz
Job Title: Senior Administrator in the Faculty Operations Team (FOT)
How long have you worked for the University?
I have worked here nearly 4 years, I started in December 2014. I have had a couple of roles in that time; currently I support the Head of the Academy of Sport and Physical Activity, Dave Morley (HoD).
How do you usually start your day?
I am not a morning person so need coffee before I do anything else. I walk to work and usually get in around 8.45am. I start by getting everything switched on, then I check my own and Dave’s diaries. To do lists are a big part of how I keep myself organised so use these to plan what I need to get done in the day depending on current priorities.
Can you sum up the main aspects of your role?
Every day is different which is great as I get to use a variety of skills. There is a long and varied list of things I do to provide admin support to Dave as HoD, the main aspects include diary and meeting management, arranging travel and general administration. I also am a part of a wider team which arranges faculty events and manages faculty processes. A big part of being in the FOT is providing cover for other members of the Faculty Leadership Team when required.
What is the most interesting project you are working on right now?
One of the Faculty Events the FOT team organises is Graduation. I am part of a small team that arranges the Graduation Prize-giving ceremonies that run alongside the main graduation events. Planning starts in January and runs through all the way until the big day! It is a great event to be involved with; you get to liaise with sponsors, students and families to celebrate the great achievements of our students. There is a huge amount of information to pull together as the Faculty has around 100 prizes it awards every year.
Can you recommend any useful tools (e.g. apps, events, books, publications, websites, and training programmes) that have supported you in your role?
Practically Perfect PA is a great blog to follow for assistants and administrators. I have recently started to dabble with OneNote which is a great tool for using as an online note book but I am not quite ready to give up using a regular pen and pad of paper just yet!
What do you like to do on an evening?
I am a keen writer so spend my spare time writing children’s story. I have just completed a level 3 online course with the Open College and now am looking for more studying opportunities to tantalise my taste buds. Currently I am working on a series of stories for early readers called the Maybe Misbehaving series.
If you are interested in sharing your story for the: A day in the life of… series please contact the staff engagement inbox; ! HWB Staff Engagement
