Simone, Project Manager (Research and Innovation IT) - IT Services

Who are you, and what is your job title?

I’m Simone, I’m a Project Manager in Research and Innovation IT, and I’m developing a new service for the University called Data Collect. I came to Sheffield in 2012 and did a PhD in Psychology. I stayed in Sheffield and worked in industry for about five years before returning to the University.

How long have you worked at the University?

I’ve worked here for just over a year.

What does your job involve?

My job is Project Manager so I undertake project management but I also do a whole lot more including, user research and user design, dealing a lot with stakeholders, promoting the service, organising launch events, etc. It’s really varied. No two days are the same and I really like it that way,

What other jobs have you done at the University?

When I finished my PhD I did a Postdoctoral Research role in the Psychology department with Professor Tom Webb, that was working as part of the Institute of Inertia, so doing qualitative research which was different to my PhD which was quantitative research, so it helped me to broaden my research skills which I was able to take into industry, where I developed a bit more and then brought it all back to the University.

Why do you think the University is a remarkable place to work?

I think the University is a remarkable place to work because of the way that people approach the work and the way that people approach development and training. I have a lot of autonomy in my job, in my development and I really like that. I have a very supportive team and there’s a really flat management structure which means that I am able to make the best decisions for my job. I’m given the authority and autonomy to do that. There are a lot of good training opportunities, and I’m able to tailor that to what I need in my role.

How would you describe the working culture at the University?

I would describe the working culture as very collaborative. It’s very open. People are valued for their opinion and their views and their contribution, regardless of where in the University they work or at what level they’re at in their career. I feel that people are really given the opportunity to really contribute to whatever they’re asked to be involved in.

What opportunities has working at the University provided you with?

Working at the University has given me a lot of opportunities for progression, for developing what I really want to learn. I came as a project manager and I’m really interested in service design. I've been really able to explore those ideas and I’ve had a lot of support from my manager and my colleagues.

What skills/experience from your time as a student at the UoS were key to you getting your role/useful in your current role?

My job required a PhD and I achieved that at the University. Where that’s helped me in my current role, is that having studied in a research capacity at the University, it helps me to really understand where the academics are coming from, some of the challenges they face, internally and externally. So having studied at the University helps me to understand and empathise with the people that I’m now supporting.

What would you say to current students who are considering the University as a place to work?

I think if people are considering the University as a place to work I would say definitely go for it because it’s a really good place to be, it’s a great environment to work in, there are a lot of opportunities to grow, to develop, to learn, to be around some really smart people who will help you to become the best version of yourself. It’s an opportunity to work in a really open environment where you are valued and where you will grow and develop. There are opportunities to grow within your role and to move across the University.

Why did you decide to stay in Sheffield?

I had kids at school in Sheffield but I’m so glad we stayed in Sheffield, I love it, my kids love it and I’m not sure I’ll ever leave.