Diane Tinklin
What subject did you study during your time at NTU?
Public Sector Management – part time, whilst working full time, with a family!
What is your current job?
Commissioning and Projects Manager, Early Childhood Services, Children and Families Dept, Nottinghamshire County Council.
What was your most memorable moment during your time at NTU, that helped you with your career development?
I really enjoyed working with other students from Health, Fire Brigade and other councils and learning about lots of the underpinning theories of change management, management and leadership. It felt like a supportive environment to practice things like presentations in and I loved moving into the newly refurbished Newton building – it was a fantastic place to work in.
My top tip for the Class of 2020 in one sentence:
Believe in yourself – you have the skills and the certificate to prove that you can do whatever you set your mind on.
What did you find most challenging about graduating in 2008 (e.g. effects of recession on career plans)?
Changes to funding for my service area were dramatic, followed by the political mantra for local authorities to be commissioners rather than providers of services. My service area was then contracted out, but I didn’t seem to have TUPE rights, so had to go through a re-organisation. This meant I was competing with my colleagues, who were also close friends, for a job moving from an operational role into a strategic one. I luckily was successful and moved into the commissioner role and I’m convinced it was the confidence and skills learned at NTU that enabled me to make the move.
Do you have any advice for current students or new graduates to improve their employability prospects?
Remember that “soft skills” are really important to employers – people want team players who also have leadership ability, but good communication skills are paramount in any sector. Be calm, confident, friendly and efficient – do what you say you will do. Don’t come across as being arrogant or “high maintenance” from a manager’s perspective.
Remember to research the company/organisation you are going to and dress appropriately for that environment – a bit of personality is great, but some areas are much more conservative with what is appropriate to wear for an interview and beyond.
Good luck!