Aeesha Bhaiyat

What is your job role and how long have you worked at UCL?

Centre Manager for GDI Hub since July 2018.

What do you do in your job role?

A bit of everything! I look after the operational aspects of the Academic Research Centre arm of the Global Disability Hub, based at Here East on the Olympic Park. 

I also helped to launch and administer the Disability, Design and Innovation MSc programme that is now in its third year. It’s a lot of plate spinning with days filled with a lot of variety.

What’s the best thing about working in the Computer Science department?

Working with a lovely bunch of people. Everyone is friendly and supportive without them I would not be able to do my job.

What challenges have you had in your career and how did you overcome them?

My biggest challenge and a blessing is managing my work with 2 children. It has taught me to really organise my life at work and at home, this is still work in progress many years later!  

At times I have felt that as a working mother I cannot progress or even it is easier to stay stagnant with so much going on in my life. 

At others I want to be more than just mum I enjoy being ‘Aeesha’.  

I have overcome this by having supportive people around me like line managers, friends that have both championed and challenged my thinking, colleagues that have helped me to think of me and put myself first.

What things do you wish you’d known before starting your career?

Looking back unfortunately the people that I approached about careers in the places that I studied were a little traditional in a very old-fashioned an inappropriate way.  

I wish that I had more dynamic and forward thinking guidance around me when I started my career not people stuck in the 1970’s.

What advice do you have for people who want to do what you do?

Plan, follow up, plan, follow up….. take a look at things from a wider perspective, be kind and thoughtful.

What’s the best thing about your job?

The people.

What does equity mean to you?

Being fair.

What is the best advice you have ever been given?

My dad used to tell me repeatedly when I was younger ‘treat people how you want to be treated’. That has stuck with me forever!

Who inspires you and why?

I am inspired by many and admire characters in people that I have come across in my life.  

For example - my mother was awesome, she came to this country aged 19, gave birth to twins the next day in a new country, new language and took it all on in her stride – she had the gift of patience with 4 children that I have never known and aspire to this day as I struggle to remain calm with 2!   

I have been inspired by colleagues because of their work ethic and their integrity, listening to Brene Brown podcasts and books…..the list can go on.

What professional achievement are you most proud of and why?

Sounds crazy, but I am really proud of receiving a Chairman’s Award in a previous role. I was part of a team that grew from strength to strength and we developed quite the reputation. 

Where would you like to be in 5 years?

I want to be where I am in 5 years but in the best version of what we currently do – I have seen so much growth since I started at GDI Hub.