BA (Hons) English
Name
Vickk Davies
What course did you study?
English
Year of graduation
2015
Where are you from originally?
Widnes, Cheshire
Why University of Cumbria, what attracted you?
It had a great English programme that focussed on literature in the lake district, a topic that I grew to love due to my lecturer’s positivity and passion.
Job title
Project Manager
Current employer
AJ Bell
What sector/industry do you work in?
Finance and Investment
Briefly describe your role and responsibilities
As a project manager I have an array of responsibilities in order to coordinate and plan large scale financial projects. The steps involved evolve around planning skills as I initiate a project I use key analysis skills to determine the full scope and change required, moving onto developing and test which needs strong communication with project teams, and finally an implementation stage which is further coordination and communication.
Briefly describe your career progression from graduation to where you are now
When I graduated I wanted to be an events manager, as I loved planned and felt very naturally organised. I left University into a sales job which I hated, moved onto a Personal Assistant job which I was naturally very good at and really enjoyed. I felt that I always wanted more at this job and was thirsty for more skills and knowledge, so I quickly progressed onto a PMO analyst within the project industry to a project manager, all within 5 years of leaving University. I didn't even know what a project manager was when I graduated.
What is the most satisfying aspect of your job?
Seeing the changes you've helped design and map out actually be implemented is so satisfying. When you see a change on a website, it makes me feel proud to have been through the process. There is such a buzz when implementing a change.
What are your ambitions, now and in the future?
Now, my ambitions are to continue running projects in a variety of different areas, to get as much experience as possible. Then I'd be interested in moving onto a more senior management position, or even back to events management!
Looking back, what advice would you give yourself when you just graduated?
Don't worry about 'your dream job' too much as you might not even know it exists. Be patient and follow the path right in front of you, and you'll end up in the right place eventually. Your passion has given multiple promotions over the years, so don't lose it. And always remember your degree (I did English, so still enjoy reading and thinking about Victorian writers).
What top tips would you give to new alumni who are wishing to pursue a similar career to you?
Start off small, and work towards promotions. A job as an analyst, or even PA like me, will help to get those skills and experiences that you will need to build upon. Relationships and contacts are key!
Do you have any support messages for the class of 2020, just embarking on their careers during the Covid-19 pandemic?
It must be such a worrying time, but follow your nose, try not to worry about it too much, and whatever is meant to be will be. You'll get there in the end.