Alex Hutchinson
WHY UQPN?
I found out about UQPN at the New Staff Expo last year. Being new to UQ, I was attracted to the workshops and networking available to help me become more familiar with a new environment and expand my professional development. I really enjoy attending UQPN events and meeting people from all over the university as it pushes me out of my comfort zone to chat to someone I do not know.
EXPERIENCE
Like many I started off my journey in tertiary education as a student, studying a Bachelor of Arts and a Graduate Certificate in Applied Linguistics. As a staff member I have worked in tertiary administration for some time, starting first at the University of Southern Queensland in Toowoomba. I assisted with the administration of Study Tours for non-English speakers and worked within Pathway Programs. I also completed a brief secondment as a school operations officer. I really enjoyed the sense of satisfaction of seeing projects come together. During this period, I also had a one-year stint in rural Japan as an Assistant Language Teacher which was one of the best experiences.
In my current role as a HDR Liaison Officer I support Higher Degree by Research students throughout their candidature. The best part about this role is that I get to talk to such a diverse range of people and work with a highly motivated team.
While I am not working, I enjoy going to yoga, gardening and getting out and about with hikes. I have also started a Diploma of Project Management which is keeping me busy in my spare time.