What’s your job title and how long have you been at Loughborough?

I’m a Strategic Support Project Officer and I’ve been here three and a half years.

Tell us what a typical day in your job looks like?

I work to support the six Associate Pro Vice-Chancellors with their projects and events. The work I undertake in one day often covers elements of each of the three strategic themes (Climate Change and Net Zero/Sport, Health and Wellbeing/Vibrant and Inclusive Communities).

The first thing I do when I get into the office is have a quick morning chat with other colleagues who are in. I’ll then check my emails and see if anything high priority has come through that I may need to action. Once I’ve checked for any urgent tasks, I’ll work through my to-do list. Current projects I am progressing include supporting the University’s sustainability strategy, an AI in Sport workshop and a mapping exercise to understand the vibrant and inclusive events we host at the University.

It’s likely I’ll have a couple of meetings. Colleagues I meet frequently are either APVCs or members of the Strategic Planning Team including our Graduate Management Trainees.

At lunchtime, whether in the office or working from home, I always try to make time for a walk to get some fresh air and have a break from being at my desk.

What’s your favourite project you’ve worked on?

I feel very lucky to have worked on the Queen’s Baton Relay event, where the Baton passed through our campus ahead of the Birmingham Commonwealth Games and we hosted a celebratory sporting festival on Shirley Pearce Square. We had staff and their families, students and the local community come together to enjoy activities, entertainment and international food.

What is your proudest moment at Loughborough?

My proudest moment working at Loughborough has been leading the inaugural Vice-Chancellor’s Awards in 2022. Although it was daunting leading a project from start to finish, seeing its success was really rewarding. It was also great to have led an event that gives staff the recognition they deserve for their contributions to our University.

Tell us something you do outside of work that we might not know about?

I am quite active outside of work, I go to the gym before work every morning. My interest in keeping active goes back to when I started Taekwondo when I was six years old and I’ve been interested in sport and physical activity ever since. Now I do a lot of weight training so I have recently tried to incorporate more cardio in the form of cycling/running. Doing more cardio resulted in me running my first half marathon last year to raise money for Glaucoma UK. It would be nice to take on a different challenge this year!

What is your favourite quote?

“It’s nice to be nice” – we don’t know what others are going through – so that one smile, good morning, or positive interaction you initiate could change someone’s day for the better.

If you would like to feature in ‘5 Minutes With’, or you work with someone who you think would be great to include, please email Sadie Gration at S.Gration@lboro.ac.uk.