Success Stories

In April 2020, I undertook a year-long secondment at Imperial Business School as Director of Global Student Experience. I joined at the height of the pandemic and was immediately immersed in a fast‑paced, student‑facing environment. With campus closed and students dispersed across the globe, I had to quickly build relationships, listen carefully to the needs of all stakeholders, and work with colleagues to rethink the student experience from the ground up.

Over the year, I led the ‘Student Community’ theme for the university’s Educational Strategy Operational Group, developed new programmes, recruited and supported 50 student leaders, created a communications strategy (including working closely to shape and share messages from the Dean and Vice Dean), and helped pivot the School’s student activities into an engaging online space, including delivering the university’s first large‑scale online event in the form of a gala dinner. During this time, I had invaluable access to senior leaders, whose guidance and trust enabled me to take informed risks, innovate, and grow in confidence.

Since returning to my role as Head of Alumni Engagement, I have continued to draw on these skills and experiences, and in 2023, I stepped up to serve as Interim Director of Alumni Engagement for two years. I strongly credit my opportunity at the Business School with giving me the space to grow at Imperial.

The experience not only shaped my career direction and professional profile but also showed me what is possible when you step out of your comfort zone. I would strongly encourage colleagues to explore secondments, job shadowing or project work: the learning, networks and personal growth you gain can be truly transformative.

In January 2024, I was offered a secondment to the Reconciliations team. While this was exciting, I was also apprehensive, unsure whether I had the necessary skills to succeed, and it was not a role I had originally aimed for. Looking back, I can confidently say that accepting this opportunity was one of the best decisions I have made in my career to date.

The secondment provided me not only with new technical skills, but also with a broader understanding of how different departments operate across the University. I strengthened my data-handling and systems knowledge and had the opportunity to participate in year-end processes. The role also involved working closely with colleagues from other departments, which further expanded my professional network. Taking on new responsibilities significantly increased my confidence and enabled me to step outside my comfort zone without the usual risks associated with role changes.

Most importantly, after around a year in the seconded position, the skills and experience I gained enabled me to apply for and secure a role I had previously only aspired to. I thoroughly enjoy my current position as a Cash Accountant, as it offers opportunities for further growth and allows me to continue progressing towards my ACCA qualification.

I would strongly encourage others to explore secondment opportunities. They provide an excellent way to broaden your skill set, gain exposure to new areas, and challenge yourself in a supportive environment. Taking this step can accelerate your professional development and open new opportunities.

Getting involved in the Great Service project within a few months of starting at Imperial has been an invaluable experience - despite it looking very much like a trial by fire from the outside.

The many hours of workshops put me in the room with experts from teams across different functions. I’ve learned a lot – many colleagues on the programme have been at Imperial for decades and have truly “seen it all”.

Despite the steep learning curve, it has been really rewarding to find that I could make meaningful contributions.

From long discussions about overheads to process mapping to writing templates, I had a chance to get involved and help out. The experience and relationships I’ve built will undoubtedly shape my future work.

What did I gain from work-based learning?

First, it was a real opportunity for me to grow into a level 4 role as these positions were not often advertised across Imperial. The secondment gave me the opportunity to develop skills I likely would not have had the chance to explore otherwise. Because it is very much on-the-job learning, my knowledge expanded rapidly and in a very practical way. In addition, I connected with many colleagues across Engineering. I was lucky to spend a year in a very welcoming Department where I felt supported and valued. Finally, it also gave me more insight into what I enjoy most, and least... in a job, and helped me get a perspective on how I would like my career to progress moving forward.

What has been the impact of the experience?

Confidence! The dreaded imposter syndrome was (and still is at times) very present. I went from a 3B position to a level 4 and, at times, felt I had no idea what I was doing. However, stepping into that higher-level position gave me greater confidence in my skills. As mentioned above, it's the perfect way of developing skills in a supportive environment.

My advice to other staff

I would say go for it! A secondment can open doors you didn’t even know existed. These experiences not only build your professional skills but also give you an opportunity to expand your network and give you a clearer sense of what you enjoy and where you want to go professionally.

What did I gain from work-based learning?

Taking part in a secondment has been an incredibly rewarding experience. It has given me the chance to step into new management responsibilities, take on fresh challenges, and significantly broaden my skill set.

What has been the impact of the experience?

The experience has boosted my confidence and strengthened skills I now use every day. A highlight was working with colleagues in a different faculty, which introduced me to new ways of working and expanded my network

My advice to other staff

I’m genuinely grateful I took the opportunity. I’d encourage anyone considering a secondment, job shadowing, or project work to go for it - it’s a fantastic way to gain fresh perspectives, stretch yourself, and discover strengths you didn’t realise you had.