Me? A future leader?

Aurora – Developing women leaders in higher education

To apply, or not to apply

I've heard of Aurora, but don't think it's for me. I'm a new manager who doesn't directly manage any staff, so it isn't something I can participate in or contribute to. The programme is designed to "encourage women to move into senior posts in Higher Education". It is designed for women who are "ambitious for a career in the sector and interested in exploring leadership and management as one option for progression". Then I receive an email from my Line Manager asking for expressions of interest, and now I'm thinking, why not? The statements do apply to me; I've just never thought of myself like that. The programme would be extremely useful in my new role; a role that I have held since April 2016 but hasn’t progressed as I imagined it would (more on this later). So I'm going to put myself forward for nomination and carry on with my day...

Well, that escalated quickly

I received an email from the Dean informing me that I've been suggested as a potential candidate (turns out I received two nominations... proud moment!). He writes that I should have a discussion with my Line Manager (already one step ahead of you there!) and submit my 250 word personal statement within 10 days. No problemo!

10 days…

to write a personal statement. It's only 250 words about me; I know the subject quite well. My old chum, procrastination, showed up. I don’t know why I always put these things off… I’m far too busy today, I have this to do, I need to do this instead… JUST GET ON WITH IT! So, day 8 arrived and I got focused. 250 words down in a Google Doc, shared with a few critical friends, who I knew would give honest feedback (read this as brutal in one instance!). A bit of a re-write later and it was attached to an email and winging it’s way to the Dean. Then I waited for four whole days…

I arrived at Oxford Polytechnic in 1988, having never experienced working in HE. I filled printers with paper and changed toner cartridges; that was the beginning of my career and personal learning network within Brookes. I started my seventh, most senior, role within OBBS in April 2016. My loyalty and passion are evident in my successful track record and in the positive feedback I have received from colleagues over the years.

My current role was a huge career leap and does not officially include direct line management responsibilities. However, I employ matrix management and its inherent challenges on a daily basis. In working towards whole school accreditation, strong leadership skills will be essential in my career development. Having survived on tacit knowledge and the goodwill of great colleagues for 28 years, it is now time to hone the skills I have to become a great leader in order to positively impact the School during our next accreditation.

The contacts I have made via my association with AACSB are a constant source of support. It is extremely useful to be able to access a support network outside of Brookes. The knowledge I have already gleaned from that has had a pronounced effect on my personal journey into a leadership role.

I view the Aurora programme as a major part of my journey into a leadership role. Knowing I have the support of wonderful colleagues encourages me to want to develop into someone who inspires them, as much as they inspire me.

Happy 4th July

School Executive approved my application! However, that is not the end of the process. I am “one of the nominees to go forward for final consideration in the university pool of Aurora applicants.” My University supports 20 places each year, so I am feeling pretty pleased with myself for getting this far. I am starting to reflect on the implications of having a place, and what it could mean for me as a future leader within the School.

8 days later and it’s official… My place on the Aurora 2017 programme has been confirmed!

The journey has begun

Here I am, back at my desk after attending my first Uni Aurora meeting. It was good to meet fellow Aurorians (is that the correct name for us?) and recognise some faces. Thirty-five of us were on the invite list and there must have been just over twenty in the room. We introduced ourselves, and then had the opportunity to quiz Aurora alumni. This was a brilliant opportunity to find out more about the sessions, action learning sets and learn that our Vice Chancellor is an Aurora Champion.

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