page 46
longer term research framework. SLMS and the wider UCL provide a wealth of experience and opportunities and students should be vigilant to take advantage of the infrastructure and support. Having a family need not be a barrier to success and I have seen many of our trainees managing the demands of both by being reliable and on time with their work commitments. This is where I think that a supervisor’s support and guidance might be of greatest value. Finally, I can never stress enough the importance of probity, governance and respect for the work of others.
HOW DO YOU KEEP MOTIVATED? I like my work and I believe that I can make a difference for the benefit of our service users. I see what I do as a lifelong course with potential to learn, improve and discover along the way and I feel that much of what I do is under my control within certain parameters. In my view, a useful mind-set is one that considers challenges as alerts for doing things differently. Motivation may also be provided by new opportunities that arise; new techniques that are being trialled or positions that become available. Asking for help in tackling a difficult issue can lead to an answer that has eluded us; as can being curious and engaged with one’s peers and environment. And of course one should not forget that there are rewards as well in terms of impact of our work, recognition and inspiring others on the way including opening a dialogue with a lay audience who may be the recipients of the outcomes of our endeavours.
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT WORKING IN SLMS? I have a variety of interests including a daily exercise routine, reading several books a year, watching movies, listening to opera, attending arts events and travelling, sometimes linked with some work related invitation or winter sports. I tend to use Sunday afternoons to respond to emails so Mondays are not overwhelming but I will keep one day over the weekend free for socialising and pouring over the (hard copy versions of) newspapers. The social media keeps me in touch with friends, family and the world.
SLMS Academic Role Models