In 2004, I was working as a manufacturing technician and wanted a career rather than a job. I came across an ad for Executive Officer 2 (EO2) position in the NICS and applied. I was offered a post in what was then NICS Recruitment Service. I have been working in HR Policy since 2008, firstly in Corporate HR then in the newly centralised NICSHR. I was promoted to Staff Officer in 2017.

Some of my responsibilities include the design and management of work experience schemes and internships, information and financial management and production of the NICS Recruitment Annual Report. Organisational skills are key – the ability to juggle different tasks and priorities while still meeting deadlines. People skills are invaluable too.

There are always new projects happening. It’s a very dynamic environment, which gives me a chance to use my initiative. I’m fortunate enough to have been nominated for two NICS Awards for a work experience scheme I designed and implemented to facilitate placements for people with disabilities.

The NICS is a very versatile organisation and has plenty of opportunities for promotion, sideways movement and specialism, as well as personal and professional development. There is a lot of support available, as well as on-the-job training.

The Centre of Applied Learning offers access to a wide range of courses online or face to face, and Assistance to Study is available if you want to apply for financial support to pursue essential or further education courses related to your work.

The NICS offers great career prospects with attractive pay and benefits, such as flexi-time, alternative working patterns, agile working and a good pension package to name a few. The wide range of opportunities available means you can advance into posts that interest you, whether moving departments or pursuing a specialism. You actually have options to shape the course of your own career.