Emma Prout
Operations ManagerAre you a graduate? If so, what did you study?
Yes – BA Hons Fine Art (Painting), Bath Spa University College
Brief description of what you do.
Manage the office, line-manage two staff, take an overview on membership strategy, take an overview on events, look after council (governance function), perform some financial tasks including setting and monitoring budgets, HR (including all recruitment), assist with funding proposals and grants administration, represent engage at some outside events, careers advice.
What is a standard day for you?
I usually start by picking up my emails and looking at my ‘to do’ list (which I’d be lost without). I try to have a catch-up with the two staff members I manage and also our director, plus our finance manager if he is in (he works 2 days a week).
My days are fairly varied, within the office setting. Sometimes I’ll be spending most of the day on a funding proposal, which involves proofing and editing, other times I might be reviewing our membership strategy, commenting on the logistics for a proposed event or preparing for a council meeting (drawing up a theme, inviting speakers etc). I tend to work on tasks for 30mins-1hour at a time, so that no area of work gets neglected.
Certain times of the year are very busy, such as the run-up to our annual conference. During the conference I will be working with the staff team to deliver an event for 250 people, which includes tasks like greeting speakers, answering delegates’ questions, sorting out any problems that arise with catering and directing a team of volunteers.
What skills have you come to rely on most in your position?
A good memory, tact and diplomacy, ability to balance strategic approach with an awareness of practical issues and constraints, attention to detail, problem-solving and staying calm if things go wrong
If you had to pick one positive and one negative aspect of your job what would they be?
Positive – working with fantastic people to further a cause I belief in.
Negative – Career-progression has been opportunistic rather than structured.
How did you get into your role?
I joined engage as the Membership and Administrative Assistant in 2004. As the organisation changed and restructured, and various staff left, I took on increased responsibility. This developed as I found areas I enjoyed or wanted to do more of for skills-enhancement (finance, HR, management). I now work at both an operational and a strategic level.
Do you do any type of networking? If so, what?
Engage’s own networking meetings for members (occasionally).
Private views of exhibitions
Is there any advice that you would give students looking to get into your field?
It is very important to have solid administrative and communication skills. Volunteering is a good way to get this experience if you don’t already have it. When writing applications address the person specification explicitly to make it easier for those short listing to see that you meet the requirements. Think about all your experiences and what transferable skills they might have given you – for instance, if you’ve organised your own group exhibition before you’ll have done marketing, event coordination, worked as part of a team and worked under your own initiative.
