Email: s.warnock@qub.ac.uk 

Tell us about your academic and career journey before you began working at The Thomas J Moran Graduate School? 

Learning is my passion and I have always worked in Education and Learning and Development spaces. Most recently, I worked for the Civil Service in training and development roles for both the Ministry of Justice and Home Office - even delivering some training and interventions in Prisons, which was an incredibly interesting experience. I've been lucky enough to deliver training and interventions to students and learners as part of some integral government policies and projects, particularly supporting both aspiring and experienced leaders.  

What was your career journey before you started working at the Graduate School?

I began my career in Education when I moved to London to embark upon the Teach First Programme - completing my PGCE through educating students from areas with a high level of deprivation and from lower socio-economic backgrounds. I found great purpose in this work and spent 8 years teaching in these areas in London, moving into Lead Practitioner roles and eventually moving beyond the classroom to deliver staff development and training. 

How has your previous academic or professional experience prepared you for your current role?

In terms of my academic background, I studied at Queen's myself, completing both my undergraduate degree in Law and a Master's degree in Human Rights and Criminal Justice. This, I hope, reflects that I understand both sides of the University - to work here in a professional capacity but also to have been a student here! 

What's your role, and what do you enjoy most about it?

For me, I love delivery and interacting and engaging with learners. There is nothing more important to me than the moment where I can see a learner has taken away some new information, gained a new perspective or reflected on an element of their course in a meaningful way. 

What’s the most challenging thing about your job?

Time is precious and we always want any learning, training or intervention to be meaningful and it can be difficult to fit this into tight timescales, utilise new hybrid ways of working and ensure that we are delivering programmes which meet the accessibility needs of every learner. Lots of competing elements but I love a challenge!

Can you share some examples of the types of challenges or concerns that students often approach you with, and how you assist them?

Often students have competing priorities and workloads - particularly in the postgraduate space - and they are keen to find ways to work smarter not harder, so it's important to support them in practical ways with time management tools, excellent resources and, often, simple hacks to get things done efficiently. 

If you could give one piece of advice to incoming students, what would it be?

Avail of every opportunity and all the support and resources that are available through QUB - there is such a wide and far-reaching network, so spend some time familiarising yourself with all the offers out there and then if things get tough you'll know where, and who, to turn to. Support is always available at Queen's! 

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

I think it's fantastic that there is a dedicated silent study space - open 7am to 11pm - for students at the Graduate School, in a beautiful space with great facilities. Compared to those manic moments at The McClay library, it's definitely a great option. 

What's one thing you can’t survive a working day without?

Fresh air - we're all busy and have jam packed calendars but I need to get those steps in - either walking to public transport, a lunch time walk around Botanic Gardens or an evening stroll.

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

As a trainer myself, I love any opportunity to attend a course, programme or intervention as a learner and think about how I can bring this back and implement it into my practice to benefit students. 

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

Maya Angelou — 'Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.'

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 current cost of living situation can put strain on students and make it challenging to have the full university experience of learning, discovering the city and socialising. 

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

The size and proximity of everything - so many great restaurants, food markets, tours, walks. Be intentional with your time and tick off as much as you can.  

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

I would love to spend some time studying English Literature, particularly in Belfast, as Ireland has such an incredible history of literary greatness and I'd love to spend the time analysing, discussing and debating great stories and authors.

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

I'm a big reader and love contemporary fiction and Irish authors, so I'm going to say anything Sally Rooney. 

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

In terms of music you're likely to find me listening to anything Country - the classics and the contemporary - from Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks to Lainey Wilson and Luke Combs. I am also a huge Swiftie! 

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

I would like to live in Ancient Greece - as a teacher it was a topic I absolutely loved to cover with students and I am fascinated by the mythology and the number of concepts and ideas invented and pioneered in that era.