Secondment Story - Mason Newbury

Secondment Profile
Mason Newbury

Mason, a Student Support Officer at the School of Physical and Chemical Sciences shares his secondment story

Tell us about your current role 

I am currently the Student Support Officer in the School of Physical and Chemical Sciences (SPCS), a role I initially held on secondment and have since transitioned into permanently. 

As the primary point of contact for students, I provide pastoral support, meeting with students who are facing challenges and directing them to appropriate resources, such as the Advice and Counselling Service or the Disability & Dyslexia Service, when necessary. I also monitor student engagement, ensuring consistent attendance and proactively identifying students who may require additional support to stay engaged with their studies. 

In addition, I coordinate Welcome Week activities for the school, including planning and overseeing events, scheduling talks, and the administration behind it all. 

Furthermore, I help oversee student voice in SPCS, addressing student feedback and ensuring that student concerns are heard and acted upon. Overall, my role centres on enhancing the student experience across a variety of areas. 

How did you get into this role?  

I began my career at Queen Mary University in 2017 in an entry-level data entry role within the Institute of Dentistry. After around 18 months, I transitioned by supporting various teams, including Student Support, Exams, and Timetabling, which provided valuable insight into the broader functions of the university. 

When the Student Support Administrator position became vacant due to retirement, I took the opportunity to shadow the outgoing administrator to learn the responsibilities and processes involved. I subsequently applied for and was appointed to the role, where I served for three years. While the majority of my duties were more behind-the-scenes rather than supporting students directly, it was during this time that my interest in student support developed.  

When the secondment opportunity as Student Support Officer in the School of Physical and Chemical Sciences arose, it felt like the natural progression in my career. Following the departure of the person I was covering, the role was adjusted, and I applied for the permanent position, which I was fortunate to be appointed to. 

How do you think the Secondment helped your career and your development? 

Undertaking the secondment significantly motivated me to expand my knowledge and skillset. After spending three years in my previous role, I had become comfortable in my position, and it can be easy to remain in that comfort zone. However, the secondment pushed me to step outside of that and embrace new challenges, prompting me to learn and adapt. 

I quickly realised the breadth of responsibility involved in the new role, which required a shift in mindset and a commitment to further development. The secondment has not only broadened my professional experience but has also provided me with the opportunity to engage with students on a one-to-one basis, listening to their experiences and offering support. This has enhanced my skills and increased my understanding of student needs. 

Additionally, the secondment has allowed me to observe the operations of other teams, such as Exams and Timetabling, increasing my knowledge of how the university functions as a whole.  

The role has also enabled me to expand my professional network. As the sole Student Support Officer (SSO) in my school, having the Community of Practice for SSOs has been instrumental in sharing knowledge and developing relationships with colleagues facing similar challenges. 

 I also completed a Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship, which I began in Dentistry and continued during the secondment. Managing both simultaneously was demanding, but the apprenticeship proved valuable in supporting my professional growth and helping me balance the responsibilities of the role. 

Were there any people that supported you during the secondment? 

Harvey Abraham-Green, my manager during my secondment, had done the role prior to me so could transfer knowledge and skills to support me. Lorna Ireland had been my manager back in Dentistry and really encouraged my development and to pursue the secondment. Thank you. 

Did the secondment present any barriers or challenges?  

The transition from Dentistry, where I had been for six years and was very comfortable, to a new working environment on a different campus presented a significant change. While there were similarities between the two roles, there were also notable differences—though these proved to be positive changes. I found the Mile End campus to be more dynamic, with a greater variety of interactions and activities, which has bettered my experience. 

One of the challenges I faced was the fixed duration of the secondment and how it aligned with the student cycle. The limited timeframe created a sense of pressure, as I had to quickly familiarise myself with various aspects of the student journey within a short period. If I wasn’t able to grasp certain processes or responsibilities within that time, I worried I might not have the opportunity to do so again. Fortunately, having remained in the role permanently, I’ve had the chance to further develop and refine my understanding. 

Now that the secondment has come to an end, have you had some time to reflect on the experience and consider what’s next for you? 

Now that the secondment has concluded, I’ve had the opportunity to reflect on the experience. I am pleased to be in the role permanently and am still enjoying the process of learning and adapting. The role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, and my current focus is on becoming more established. 

One area of the role that is particularly new to me is line management. While I hadn’t been actively seeking a management position at this stage, I recognise the value in gaining this experience. I enrolled in the Management Essentials programme, which provided me with the necessary training and opportunities to develop my management skills further. 

Have you got any advice to anyone considering a secondment? 

My advice to anyone considering a secondment would be to approach it with an open mindset and a willingness to learn. Career progression is not always straightforward, and secondments often require learning and adaptation. However, they can be an excellent opportunity to further your professional development. 

I would also encourage others to use the secondment as a chance to build connections and expand their networks. The relationships you develop can be invaluable, regardless of the role you are in, and can support both your current position and future career aspirations.