To finish our series around International Women's Day, we spoke to Nicole Reynolds, Assistant Bursar (Operations) at Norwich School. She shared more about her career journey and her inspirational figures:
What is your role in our School community?
My role is Assistant Bursar (Operations) and so, alongside others in the Bursary, I help with the running of the school focussing on Compliance, Health & Safety, Risk, Bookings, and largely the schools response to COVID-19! As you can imagine, that has kept me busy since I started here in November 2020!
How did you get into what you do?
I started my career working in Construction. I began working on Building Sites as a Trainee Quantity Surveyor in my late teens and studied for my undergraduate degree through my employer whilst working, it was hard work, but thoroughly worthwhile for me, it meant I learnt all the theory in the classroom but could immediately put it into practice as soon as I was back at work. I then moved into working in a manufacturing business where I focused on the Commercial Trading aspects of the business, before stepping up to a General Manager role, this was where I began to learn about Health & Safety and Compliance and discovered my love for it!
Are there any inspirational female figures you particularly look up to and why?
I have been extremely lucky throughout my career to work for, or alongside, some incredibly inspirational women. Having worked for 10+ years in an industry largely dominated by men, I was lucky enough that my first manager was quite a young female from whom I learnt a lot! I am also fortunate to be from a family of strong women, and men who actively promote gender equality!
Why do you think International Women’s Day is important?
To promote gender equality across the world and to promote education for all of us on the vast differences in the ways in which genders are treated across the world and to drive the campaign for change.
What are you most proud of?
The fact that I have made a small difference to help pave the way for the next generation of women, and the fact I am a woman! In my career so far, I have seen change (although there is still a long way to go!). In my previous employment, I saw a shift, both in my employer, but also in the wider industry, where things were changing, and I am proud that I was a part of that. In addition, being in the final few weeks of pregnancy with my first child, I think this is something that is particularly prevalent in my thoughts now. I know it is something that millions of women have done before me, and will continue to do long after me, but being able to nurture and grow another life is something that simply blows my mind, and something I am immensely proud of, and I look forward to the new challenge of parenthood!
What one piece of advice would you give to our female pupils?
Focus on your own goals, and don’t let anyone stand in your way. You decide what’s important to you, and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t achieve!