November 2018

Helen Arnott

Postgraduate Certificate in Business Management, 2013

1. Tell us about yourself

I worked at Anglia Ruskin between 2007 and 2018. I started off in a Personal Assistant role and after that, I worked for Assessments, then Graduations and then I was appointed to work in Alumni Relations. Since leaving ARU last month, I’ve now started working at YMCA Essex as their Communications and Events Manager.

2. What is your fondest memory at Anglia Ruskin University?

Catching up with uni friends over a coffee, before class.

3. What advice would you give to students preparing for their graduation day?

Take a moment out to appreciate just how far you’ve come and who you’ve met along the way. Your time at ARU goes so fast, so you need to savour it.

Take lots of photos on the day. It’s a really special occasion, you should be proud and you should document the day and the people that helped you on your journey.

Remember that Employability Services are there for you if you need careers advice. Take advantage of this great support.

4. What do you know now that you wish you had known whilst you were studying?

To keep calm and level-headed. I put a lot of stress on myself on my undergraduate course and felt I had to get top marks. I was so disappointed when I narrowly missed getting a First. For me, the reality was that I got great marks and it really didn’t have to mean putting everything else on hold, like I thought I had to.

5. How did your time at Anglia help you?

Confidence. I never really saw myself as capable of studying for a degree, plus when you’re studying part-time, working full-time and trying to juggle that with whatever life throws at you, you don’t realise how your time at uni can shape you.

6. What did you love about your chosen course?

I studied a variety of modules. My first ever class on my BA (Hons) Business and Management course was on Business Law. Something I’d not ever studied before and it was so engaging and interesting and gave me a great insight into what my time studying at ARU would be like.

7. What would you tell someone thinking of studying at Anglia?

Do it!

8. In one word how would you describe Anglia?

Challenging.

9. Who was the biggest influence on your career?

My first ever job was during my school and college holidays, working with my dad at his office in London. It was a great way to learn from a very young age about administrative procedures and the business world. It was fantastic experience to put on my Curriculum Vitae and I’m grateful that my dad supported me with this. Ultimately, seeing my dad as the business man that he was, was a great example of how to conduct myself in my own career.

10. Of what accomplishment are you most proud?

I also run the Chelmsford Movie Club, a social group that I set up a few years ago. Running this group has been life-changing for me, due to the people I’ve met along the way, but what I’m really proud of is how it’s become life-changing for the others that have joined the group too.

11. What advice would you give your younger self?

Don’t sweat the small stuff.

12. What drives you?

Feeling like I contribute within a team and help to make a difference.

13. What’s next?

Who knows, but whatever it is, I’m looking forward to it!