Email: abbie-leigh.edgar@qub.ac.uk

Tell us about your academic journey. If you went to university, what field did you study, and what inspired your interest in that area?  

I am a Queen’s student through and through. I started at QUB in 2011, doing an undergraduate degree in Theology. I then pursued a masters in Theology before undertaking a PGCE in Religious Education. I still had a thirst for knowledge so I completed a PhD in Education, specifically focusing on the ethos and identity of Controlled schools in Northern Ireland.   

What was your career journey before you started working at The Graduate School? What led you to pursue a career in higher education and student engagement?  

When I was completing my PhD, I started working for the Learning Development Service, supporting undergraduate students with their academic skills. I loved engaging with students, meeting them on a 1:1 basis and delivering workshops. The Graduate School reached out to LDS and asked if someone could provide additional support to postgraduate students. I jumped at the opportunity! As cliché as it sounds, I just knew this is where I had to be.  

How has your previous academic or professional experience prepared you for your current role at The Graduate School? 

I strongly believe so. My academic and professional experience means that I have an acute awareness of ‘both sides of the coin’ in the postgraduate journey. I also feel that having recently completed my PhD adds a freshness to my role and so I can bring that experience and hindsight to support students.    

When did you start working at The Graduate School? What’s your role at the Graduate School, and what do you enjoy most about it?  

I have been working at the Graduate School since 2019 as an Academic Skills Consultant. I then applied for the role of Researcher Development Consultant, securing a permanent position in September 2022. In practice, my role entails supporting both PGT and PGR students with their academic and researcher skills. I do this primarily via workshops and 1:1 appointments. I feel privileged to support students in navigating and managing their studies, as well as building a rapport with them. My favourite aspect of the role is Viva practice sessions with students as I am so interested in hearing about other people’s research.  

What’s the most challenging thing about your job? Can you share some examples of the types of challenges or concerns that students often approach you with, and how you assist them? If you could give one piece of advice to incoming students, what would it be?  

The most challenging thing about my job is when students ask me discipline specific questions, as often this means that I simply have to signpost students rather than directly support them myself. This means I constantly have to be up to date in knowing wider University procedures and what other departments do.

On a more regular basis, students come to me concerned mainly about their time management and presentation skills. I am able to assist them by working together to create a realistic timetable and offering them 1:1 practice presentation sessions. My one piece of advice to incoming students would be to use Trello to keep track of all tasks. This can really help with breaking things down into manageable chunks and can help to reduce feeling overwhelmed.  

Are there any unique resources or opportunities available through your department that students might not be aware of? 

For PGR students, we run a blended ‘Introduction to Teaching’ programme. We use Canvas as the platform for self-directed learning, followed by complementary in-person sessions. I love delivering this programme alongside my manager, Donna Hyland, and colleagues. Feedback from students has been very positive, which is great to hear as so much effort and planning goes into this course.  

Name one thing you can’t survive a working day without. Why’s it so important? 

I bought a ‘to-do list’ off Amazon and I use it every single day. It helps to keep me focused and I get a sense of satisfaction from ticking things off!  

How do you stay up-to-date with the latest developments in your field to better serve students' needs? 

I try to attend conferences relating to higher education throughout the year, as well as researching what other institutions are doing to support postgraduate students.  

Do you have any favourite inspirational quotes or mantras that keep you motivated in your work? 

‘Work smarter, not harder’  

Do you think there are any unique challenges that students face today which are different to the challenges students faced in previous generations? What are they? 

I think the main challenge is navigating online and in-person teaching. I also feel that the advancement of AI is constantly changing the higher education landscape and students are confused as to what is acceptable AI use and what isn’t.  

What's your favourite thing about Belfast that students should definitely check out? 

Cavehill or Black Mountain.  

What's your go-to spot for grabbing a quick bite to eat near campus? 

I love going to French Village!  

If you could switch roles with any student for a day, which program or course would you choose, and why? 

MSc Animal Behaviour and Welfare. I love animals and I think this course would be so interesting.  

What's your favourite book or movie that you think every student should experience? 

‘Turbocharge your writing’ – a book by Hugh Kearns and Maria Gardiner.  

What types of music or podcasts do you enjoy listening to in your free time? 

I love listening to old school R&B, and my favourite podcast is ‘Casefile True Crime.’  

If you were stranded on a deserted island and could only bring three things, what would they be? 

A pillow, Walkers pickled onion crisps, and any book by Colleen Hoover.  

Share a fun fact about yourself that might surprise your colleagues and students. 

I could whistle before I could talk.  

If you could travel back in time, which historical era would you visit and why? 

The 1920s! I love the fashion in that era and the prohibition parties looked like so much fun!  

What are your favourite hobbies or pastimes outside of work? 

I am very into fitness and go to a personal trainer twice a week. I also attend a disco bounce class as well as boxercise. I love spending time with my husband (Neil) and our two dogs (Rosie and Larry) and two cats (Sienna and Finnick).  

Do you have a favourite travel destination or a memorable trip?  

I went to Sorrento in June 2022 for my best friend’s hen party. It was incredible.