I work at Oxford University. AMA.

[hippygirllucky]

Not wanting to give myself away too much because Oxford is a small place but I work a managerial role at Oxford University (have done nearly 10 years now) and know quite a lot about what it's like to actually be inside of the "ivory tower".

Where should I go for dinner next weekend when I am visiting the city?

Do you work in admissions?

What's the best bit?

Who are the worst colleagues?

Is it as snobby as people think it is!?

What are the university IT systems like for staff? Is everything as old and dusty as the buildings?

I also work in HE but a ‘lesser’ institution. Would it still be worth me applying to jobs there?

His much hybrid working are you doing?

Oh wow good question, Cowley road has some great places to eat if you don't want boring chain food.

I don't now but I did for two years. It was intense and surprising.

The best bit is the dinners and parties, they're great! Also, it's a VERY relaxed place to work because everyone is more focused on thoughts than money.

Worst colleagues are 100% the old professors. Some can't/won't even make their own cups of tea.

@Tayloru yes and no. Some departments are 100% what you think they'll be. Old fashioned, have to call everyone professor and not take up too much of their time, etc etc. Others are really modern and cutting edge, it's really surprising. Everyone here is ultimately human, not superhuman, which I think some people think they are!

"The best bit is the dinners and parties, they're great! Also, it's a VERY relaxed place to work because everyone is more focused on thoughts than money."

This sounds good! I don't work in higher education; how easy is it to move over from the commercial world?

They're pretty standard university IT systems, to be honest. Restrictive where they need to be but modern enough. The online library is great, though! But otherwise, it's a lot like any other job.

100% yes! Currently recruiting and we always want people with HE background, honestly doesn't matter where you're from, that experience is so valuable.

Honestly, we're still doing a lot of hybrid learning. I help organise a lot of online lectures and conferences, too. The world has changed and people want to be able to access our resources from where they are.

I came from the commercial world but I started very, very junior. One of the nice things about Oxford is that once you're in, it's very easy to rise through the ranks. The flip side of that is that it can be really hard to get in. You either have to start really low, like I did, or you have to have VERY relevant experience. I guess because it's its own little world and you either need to be a blank canvas and absorb everything about that world, or be valuable enough that "they" (the Department who hire you) can be bothered to sort of catch you up, if that makes sense? Also, ask anyone who works here and they'll tell you it a place that's very resistant to change, so having people come in from outside can be a bit... upsetting to the flow, I guess.

@HappyHolidai by very relevant experience, I mean you basically have to have worked for a uni before.

I am a PA at a university and love it. What are the PA roles like at Oxford?

Probably very similar, to be honest! Oxford has its own academic language, and I remember finding that difficult to get used to but I guess most jobs have that. I think there's often a sort of mildly celebrity support like quality to the work, in that if you work for an academic, you will have to help them with BBC interviews etc etc. but I think that's also true of a lot of Russell Group universities.