“As much as you possibly can, pursue a career you enjoy. Change jobs when you stop learning. Don’t be afraid to fail.”
Your Loughborough Story
Can you tell us about some of your fondest memories?
Playing rugby at 10 acres. U14 Rugby tour to NW England with John Weitzel (1982?). Ed Thorpe’s pep talks to the rugby 1st XV when we needed a boost (they were good, he knew what to say to us). Playing Rugby 1981-1986 which taught me about being part of a team and how they can work. As well as the Barrier, The Three Nuns and mischief in the science labs.
How did your time at School influence your life and career?
It motivated me. Expectations were high. I did not do particularly well academically and wanted to prove something to myself and those around me. I got there eventually.
What do you wish you had known when you were in Sixth Form?
That the hard work would pay off, keep going, you will be ok.
Are you still in touch with your school friends or teachers today? If so, who?
Yes, on Facebook. People I played rugby with, Rob Hutton, Duncan Hendry and then a long term family friend, Neil Thorpe, and then John Weitzel who taught me Maths and Rugby. Also, I have seen Andrew Griffiths when I have been back in Loughborough. He lived next door to us in Burton Street and his dad taught History!
Alumni Career Wisdom
What does your role involve?
I’ve just become Vice Chancellor at the University of Plymouth. This is the CEO of a University. So, for the University of Plymouth its 2,500 employees, 18,000 students from 130 countries and £265M turnover.
What led you to choose your career path?
I’m an Earth Scientist and studied and researched this at Doctorate level. I initially spent 8 years in the oil and gas industry and 21 years as an academic and academic leader. I enjoyed Physical Geography at A level. When I was 18, I went to work in in Gold/Diamond/Coal mines in South Africa as a trainee Mining Engineer. I found the rocks more interesting than the engineering and said no to the generous scholarship I was offered me to be a Mining Engineer and instead became a geologist. Never looked back. I have always chosen the subjects, roles, people and organisations I enjoyed and not chased money.
What are you career highlights?
Escaping from ExxonMobil in 2003 and making the decision (early enough) to get paid less in a role I enjoyed far more – academia. Meeting students at universities where we have managed to genuinely provide a life-changing experience for them, perhaps through a scholarship or just the support we have provided. That sense of joy and pride never leaves you. I wrote some good research papers – I was chuffed to see them being printed in top journals and got a couple of awards along the way. I tackled some very sensitive areas of science that were highly controversial. Getting support from my employer (Durham and Newcastle universities at the time) to do this was incredibly important. We often draw conclusions based on the best data and scientific understanding, that can be extremely unpopular.
What’s one piece of advice you would give to current pupils thinking about entering a similar role to yourself?
As much as you possibly can, pursue a career you enjoy. Change jobs when you stop learning. Don’t be afraid to fail.
What job search tips would you give to pupils looking for a career in your industry?
For academia, the love for the disciplines you study in comes first. An academia career means you to get paid to pursue them.
What are the key skills you need for your job role/to work in your industry?
Teamwork, getting to know people well, being able to see the big picture.
What ambitions would you still like to realise?
Do as well as I can in my new role of Vice Chancellor. Keep playing a decent squash game.
Do you have any advice for current pupils/graduates who don’t know what career path to follow?
Don’t fret. Keep your options open. Ask questions. Talk to folk. Build networks. Just take one step at a time, doing what you enjoy. Be willing to change your mind and go against the grain.
Do you have any hobbies that keep you busy in your spare time?
I play a lot of squash.
