CILIP North West Member Network Blog

I began my career journey as a volunteer and then as a graduate trainee at Manchester Metropolitan University and am currently working as a librarian in the University of Manchester Library’s Teaching, Learning and Students Team.  In this blog post I will give an overview of my career history and current role, framed around my top tips for career development. Volunteer for opportunities outside your role This advice is very much dependent on your organisation and individual line manager, but if you don’t ask you never get! I joined the University of Manchester as a Customer Services Assistant in the new (at the time) Alan Gilbert Learning Commons . The Library’s My Learning Essentials  academic skills programme was launched at a similar time and was mainly delivered from the Learning Commons. I took an interest straight away in the programme and looked for opportunities to help out. Luckily, my line manager supported my development and allowed me time away from my desk duties ...

A few days ago, I saw a tweet that made my stomach flip. In the tweet the writer asked if other people in their mid-30s had experienced that 'in-between' state in their professional lives; too old to be a new starter but not where they thought they'd be by this point and still establishing their career path. The Siren of Existential Dread Perhaps it was all the Ally McBeal I watched growing up – where turning 30 was the equivalent of being dropped into a bin and set on fire – but age had always been a big issue for me. I had long since aged out of the young professional bracket, but my career was still in its early stages. Usually this tweet would have pressed the anxiety button, set off the Siren of Existential Dread (this is a silent siren, much like an anti-youth alarm). Fortunately, I had recently attended CILIP North West’s Library Careers Panel.  I now had a secret weapon.  A Bit About Me.. I got my first library job at 26. Having spent the first chunk of my twenties ...

Sinead English Assistant Librarian, University Campus of Football Business  During the CILIP North West Member Network Career Panel event on 23 April, Sinead spoke about her career journey, particularly about her early career and her move from a Health to Higher Education Library role. Here are some of her reflections on the event and some great tips!  I was incredibly nervous about speaking at this event, filled with the dreaded imposter syndrome telling me that it was too early into my library career to be speaking. However, when I had looked back at my job experiences,  I decided that it may be useful to demonstrate to attendees the way in which I’ve managed to build up my transferable skills in order to get to my current role. Volunteering Opportunities Since giving my presentation I've been reflecting on the similarities between when I was looking for my first role in libraries (following the aftermath of the market crash)...

Gil Young -  Knowledge and Library Services Development Manager  Health Education England Career Journey My first job was as a graduate trainee at the Alsager site of Manchester Metropolitan University. Since then, I have worked in the library at the Christie Hospital in Manchester, as a librarian at Manchester Metropolitan University and at Stockport public libraries. I then worked for the North West Academic Libraries consortium for almost 10 years. At that point I got my current role although the lead employer and my role title have changed in the 10 years I have been employed by the NHS.  Current Role The best bit about my current role is the variety. I have regional responsibilities for NHS knowledge and library services across the North West. This translates as working with the 30 plus services based in the North West and their staff. I work closely with the teams and often get involved in recruiting staff, advising on strategy and restructures and offering professi...