Name: Nick London
Age: 50
Degree: 1982, BA Hons (2i) in History & Economics, Keele University
1984 MA Library & Information Studies, Loughborough University
Job Title: Service Manager: Systems & Performance
Company Name: Nottinghamshire Libraries (local government)
Salary: approx £40,000 (this is local govt!)
What do you do in your job?
1) manage ICT and related facilities for library staff and public users
2) produce, analyse & interpret management information
3) identify & promote/implement work place efficiencies and improve staff procedures
How did you hear about the job and what did the application process involve?
Internal appointment within Nottinghamshire County Council. Standard application & Interview including presentation.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Using analytical skills and specialist knowledge to solve problems or find better ways of working.
What is the most challenging aspect to your job?
Too much to do - firefighting instead of planning
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Doing the same (I am over 50 now you know!)
I have never done mainstream ‘economics graduate' type work, as I gained a postgraduate qualification and went into professional librarianship. Moved into specialist systems and ICT role many years ago, and found that my economics training and background was highly relevant in data analysis, methodical thinking and looking at causal relationships between input and outcome trends. In 25 years I have not yet met anyone else who is a librarian with an economics degree...