Karen Silcox

Current Employer/Organisation Name

Freelance

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

I starting working as a teacher. I found the classroom too difficult so I moved to work in local government finance. I did my accountancy exams. I then got made redundant. After this I took on a number of voluntary bookkeeping jobs for charities which led to a variety of employed and self employed opportunities with a variety of organisations.

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

I have always liked improving internal systems. The jobs I choose mean I inside companies as part of the team contributing to the day to day work and making improvements to the organisation. I originally wanted to do this type of work in education but the pathway for that type of job wasn’t around when I first graduated. There is no typical day which is nice. I enjoy learning new things. It is also very flexible so I can work and look after my children.

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

I studied a BA (Hons) in Education with Physics. I was a part of the Badminton Club.

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

I enjoyed the lectures on educational theory and developments around the concept of evidence based teaching where educators used research to influence class room practice. I very much support the idea that evidence and data should support decision making within an organisation.

What did you enjoy most about studying here?

The Badminton club and I liked Exeter as a city.

Why did you choose to study at Exeter?

I liked St Luke’s campus very much.

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

At university I became an independent learner. By mixing with other students I also was exposed to areas outside my immediate field. I have found a commitment to life long learning and a curiosity about what others are doing have been most useful in my career. Even though I do not work in a school my knowledge of how people learn and given me good communication skills which has helped no end in explaining the significance of the numbers to my team.

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

Experience is essential. Make good use of volunteer and networking opportunities. Develop a curiosity about your field but also related fields. Never give up learning.

What are your plans for the future?

To grow my business.