What does a typical day at work look like for you?
I typically work 9-5 Monday-Friday (UK time) although you’ll often find me in the office outside these times too! The great thing about working at Oyster, and what has kept me here for over 10 years, is that every day really is different and never quite pans out how you expect it to.
Jon enjoying some skiing in Whistler whilst visiting our participants
My day typically involves answering emails from our clients, booking new people on to our programmes, interviewing and briefing them, writing web text for our website and external marketing sites, blog writing, social media, paying bills, working on our policies to ensure compliance and fixing any issues that might come up during the day. These could be issues in the office, to do with HR or the website. I spend a lot of time dealing with our web developers.
What inspired you to work in international education?
When I was at school I knew that I wanted to go on to university but I didn’t feel ready to move away from home at the age of 18. Instead I decided to take a gap year and found out about the opportunities to teach English as a volunteer in Tanzania. Before starting, I didn’t know a great deal about the world or the benefits that international volunteers can bring to children overseas. Volunteers in international education are not going to be able to solve all of the worlds problems or help everyone they come into contact but, having been there myself, I know that they do bring a positive impact to at least a few of the children they work with. Whether that is teaching the alphabet, how to read, or assisting as a sports coach, international volunteers can and do pass on their skills.
What kind of international experiences have helped you in the role you play currently?
Jon ready to meet students and parents at a gap fair in the USA
The big one for me is that I have been there and done it. Even years after my gap year I am still able to pass on my knowledge and experience to future volunteers.
In addition to my gap year, I also helped lead an expedition with British teenagers in Zambia.
Why do you think international experiences are important in the world today?
We increasingly live in a global interconnected society. I think it is so important for people to escape from their own little bubble and to experience life in another part of the world. This gives people the ability to understand global issues from a different perspective. I believe if we can all travel and learn about different cultures, we will realise that we are not that different after all. Our prejudices will break down and, hopefully, conflict will reduce.
Do you think Gap Years are influential to recent graduates? If so, why?
I believe that gap years can be put to good use for graduates. A gap year gives a graduate a chance to really look at the options, without the pressure of exams and deadlines, and decide how they want to proceed with their career.
It is always important to do something constructive with the time so that graduates can build on their core skills that future employers will be looking for.
Jon running a training course for Oyster participants
What is the hardest part about your job as a Senior Operations Manager?
Prioritising is always a tough part of any job. As Senior Operations Manager I have a lot of different issues crossing my desk every day, so making sure these are all completed in a timely manner and to the best of my ability, is really important to me.
What do you love most about your job?
It’s seeing the development and progress that our participants make throughout their time with us. Most of our participants are first time travellers. Seeing how they change and grow in confidence between the initial enquiry and their return home is what keeps me going.
Is there anything exciting in the works that we should look out for in 2018?
We are hoping to launch a new and exciting website this year!
What is your best piece of advice for prospective Oyster clients?
Just do it! There are always reasons to delay or not step out of your comfort zone. I’m yet to meet anyone who regrets taking a gap year and who hasn’t learnt something about themselves or the world.
Jon visiting Oyster projects in Tanzania
How do you make sure potential students succeed when overseas?
We ensure that our participants are well prepared before heading overseas. Once on the project, our local representatives and coordinators are there to motivate and encourage them to make the most of their experience. From the UK office, we are in regular contact with them to make sure that all is going well.
