Learning and Development

Induction

Tips from your colleagues

We asked staff the following questions:

• What single piece of advice would you give a colleague who is just starting at the University?
• What do you like most about the University?
• What is the one thing you wish you had done during your first week as a member of staff?

What single piece of advice would you give a colleague who is just starting at the University?

“Get to know as many people working in offices outside your department (e.g. Communications and External Relations (CER), the Research and Enterprise Office (REO), Central Purchasing, Print Essex, Estates, Finance, Human Resources, etc.)” Matthew Poole, Senior Lecturer, Art History and Theory

“Don't just rely on e-mail – go and talk to people face to face.” Caroline Dimbleby, UK & EU Recruitment Officer, Communications and External Relations

“If in doubt just ask! Everyone at the University is friendly and approachable and if you are at all unsure or lost – just ask.” Beverley Shaw, Accommodation Essex, Customer Services Manager

“Take advantage of the down time during the induction period to meet people and familiarise yourself.” Anonymous

“Establish an overview of what your department does and by which members of staff.” Anonymous

“Have in mind that there are a lot of international students with very different cultural backgrounds and expectations.” Anonymous

“Sign up to the Daily Bulletin (the University's email bulletin) so you know what's happening around the Uni – and read Wyvern (the University's staff magazine) too!” Holy Ward, Communications and External Relations, PR and Events Assistant

“There may be a lot of information but don't worry, everything will fall into place as you become more familiar with the job and University.” Lynn Bowman-Burns, Senior Disability Adviser

“Take a walk around the University and inside the buildings. It helps with finding your way around and meeting people you wouldn't normally meet whilst at work." Marc Dean, Traffic Officer

“Attend a staff induction day – it's invaluable – and ask questions.” Jo Davies, Communications and External Relations, Internal Communications Officer

“Don't commute, move to Colchester, you'll like this town.” Anonymous

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What do you like most about the University?

“The departmental and faculty management is as close to a democratic governance as one could hope for.” Matthew Poole, Senior Lecturer, Art History and Theory

“It is friendly and welcoming, and treats staff fairly.” Caroline Dimbleby, Communications and External Relations, UK & EU Recruitment Officer

“The open culture, the village feel.” Dave Stanbury, Director of Employability, Academic Section

“The friendly, positive colleagues, and the fantastic environment.” Beverley Shaw, Accommodation Essex, Customer Services Manager

“The variation as we move through the cycle of the academic year.” Anonymous

“Very supportive to research.” Ricardo de Santana, Lecturer, Essex Business School

“The family friendly benefits.” Anonymous

“The atmosphere, flexibility and general helpfulness of staff. I also like the Colchester campus and socialising at lunch times.” Camilla Thomsen, Departmental Administrator, Mathematical Sciences

“I like that my job seems worthwhile in providing a service to students and the value of the education.” Anonymous

“The lively, international atmosphere.” Annie Callaghan, Senior Lecturer, Language and Linguistics

“I am in Southend Campus so the thing I like the most about the University is that it's so conveniently located in the town centre and has two major train lines linked to London.” Anonymous

“The compact campus means that it can be quick and easy to get around and meet people from other departments.” Simon Carmel, Lecturer, Health and Human Sciences

“It's small and you get to know a lot of people around campus and most people are really friendly and will go the extra mile to help you out if you ask with a smile!” Holy Ward, Communications and External Relations, PR and Events Assistant

“Without a doubt, my colleagues. But I also like Zest.” Deirdre Serjeantson, Lecturer, Literature Film and Theatre Studies

“The environment; being able to sit by the lake in the sunshine to eat your lunch or just walk around the grounds. Having banks, post office, etc, on campus is also a great boon.” Lynn Bowman-Burns, Senior Disability Adviser

“The fact that people are not scared to admit when they have done something wrong/forgotten to do something. There is a very honest and open atmosphere. People are here to help the students and we all work together as a team.” Shauna McNally, Graduate Administrator, Mathematical Sciences

“It is a friendly and collegiate place to work.” Eamonn Carrabine, Head of Department, Sociology

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What is the one thing you wish you had done during your first week as a member of staff?

“A tour of the campus.” Matthew Pool, Senior Lecturer, Art History and Theory

“Gained more understanding of where the various departments are that I liaise with in carrying out my work.” Beverley Shaw, Customer Services Manager, Accommodation Essex

“I wish I had visited other campuses at the earliest opportunity.” Anonymous

“Go around the campus with a colleague from my department, chatting and discussing the formal and informal organisational rules.” Ricardo de Santana, Lecturer, Essex Business School

“Have a mentor.” Gary Royston, Communications and External Relations

“Being involved in a tour of the campus (Colchester). Having someone explain the room numbering system to me would have helped as well. Once you understand the system, the campus is far easier to navigate.” Anonymous

“I wish I had been shown the various cafes; it took me an embarrassing amount of time to find the Blues bar where all my colleagues meet.” Deirdre Serjeantson, Lecturer, Literature Film and Theatre Studies

“Found out more about organisational structure and met more senior figures.” Jo Davies, Internal Communications Officer, Communications and External Relations