Aerial Darling

Current Employer/Organisation Name

University of Exeter

What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?

I have been working as a Department administrator for IAIS at Exeter university. Before this, and for the duration of my undergraduate and masters I worked in youth development as a sail trainer. Teaching young people from disadvantaged backgrounds social and life skills while at sea.

Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?

I wanted to work in education and this gives me a foot in the door.

Please tell us if you were a member of any societies, groups or sports clubs?

I was a part of EURFC for 3 years of my time at university, until I broke my knee last year and left the club. During my time I was the captain of the 2nd team and was social secretary for a year. A highlight for me was playing at Sandy Park.

What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?

My assignments were always interesting to me; specifically in my English literature undergraduate I had a focus on identity, gender, and sexuality. With my dissertation being a creative writing political piece, which dissected homosexuality and race in the ‘Bible Belt’ of America, and explored the way in which lesbian hands deconstruct heteronormativity. In my Master’s, I thoroughly enjoyed discussing emotional labour of women in the workplace, with specific reference to sail training. My final thesis was on the effect which sail training has on creating global citizens and curating global mindedness. I found these topics very interesting.

What did you enjoy most about studying here?

The scenery, I have thoroughly enjoyed taking long walks around Exeter.

Why did you choose to study at Exeter?

I wasn’t going to go to university, instead, I was going to continue with my sailing career and my work at sea. But I decided it would be beneficial to have a degree under my belt. I am very glad I did, as I thoroughly enjoyed it.

What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?

Organisation, multitasking, memory recall, working efficiently.

What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?

Apply to everything, even if you get rejected for a lot, don’t stop applying. All experience is good experience.

What are your plans for the future?

I would like to continue working up the ranks in education administration, and learn what it takes to run large organisations.