Having worked in various clerical roles across the University, Caoilfhionn is now a Business Support Analyst with Qsis Services in the Academic and Student Affairs Directorate.
What does an average day look like for you?
The average day could vary depending on the time of the academic year. Most of my time is spent providing support for staff using Qsis. This mainly involves answering queries from staff, ranging from simple easy to answer questions to more complex issues which take time to investigate and solve. Other days, my time is spent running Qsis training courses in our training room and online.
During the few quieter spells in the academic year, I focus on creating and updating training materials for staff and students, whether that’s virtual simulations, short videos or training slides and notes.
From time to time, we will also have updates and upgrades for the system, so we need to take time to test these upgrades before they go live in Qsis.
What is the best bit about your role?
I enjoy problem solving so one of my favourite parts about my job is trying to get to the bottom of issues staff might be experiencing. I also love that I am constantly learning new things, Qsis is such a big system that I feel like I learn something new almost every day.
What are the challenges?
I’m not the most confident of public speakers so taking on a large portion of the Qsis training was a big challenge I’ve had to face. It’s helped a lot with my confidence, but I think there’s still definitely plenty of room for improvement.
What makes Queen's a great place to progress your career?
Queen’s is a great place to start and progress your career. There are so many job opportunities through the boarding schemes, internal vacancies and redeployment portal. It really gives you the chance to build up your experience in many different departments. I’ve worked in five different departments in Queen’s before settling in Qsis Services. In that time, I’ve had the chance to learn many different systems and also broaden my knowledge of how different departments work.
About Caoilfhionn
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love to DIY. Most weekends you can find me in our local Homebase buying wood or other materials for my next project.
What is the best advice you've ever received?
Measure twice, cut once.
What are you currently reading?
I’m currently reading the Bridgerton book series. I watched the show on Netflix and decided I just had to read them as well. I’m a big fan of period dramas when it comes to books and shows, I’ve re-read and re-watched Pride and Prejudice more times than I’d care to admit.