Julie Barrett - Centre Assistant, Centre for Integrative Anatomy, CDB

How did you arrive at CDB?   

Via a rather long and circuitous route! In short, I was virtually retired from my original professional practice and was looking for part-time work that would involve: working in a team with a common set of goals, learning new things and a subject of interest. But I also wanted a job could ‘forget’ at the end of each day, as  I had spent over 45 years as a scientific lawyer, where you are never ‘off the job’ – one year, I even had two clients ring me on Christmas Day!

I was a bit concerned that my age and past seniority would put off potential employers, but UCL was open to the idea that I could bring something useful to their organisation. I was lucky enough to be offered my current half-time role within a relatively new Centre within CDB.

What would you advise someone on choosing a career? 

Where to start?!  In a nutshell, I would say, first, identify and then try to find and do what you enjoy – aim for this, anyway.  It’s a bit idealistic at times – many of us have had to swallow some bitter pills in order to support a family or similar, but you should never lose sight of what ‘floats your boat’ and always try to get back to this.

I would also advise, more practically, to have ideas and be willing to share them to whoever will listen at your workplace.  But counter that with a good dose of humility – be prepared to be taught, to learn (never stop learning!), listen to advice and others’ experiences – and take from that what rings true for you.  But if something isn’t working after giving it a good go, then stop doing it – if you keep doing the same thing, you’ll keep getting the same result!

Finally, realise that there is no such thing as only one ‘right’ career or work/occupation pathway for you – there are many.  Always be open to other possibilities – even in very different fields.  Consciously identify your transferable skills – and try not to neglect your ‘soft’ skills, as well as those more easily learned and practised ‘hard’ skills (particularly in anything scientific).

What are you mainly focused on now and for the future? 

I am presently focused on supporting my Centre – what ‘my’ PIs want to achieve and how to relieve them of as much of the admin. as possible, so they in turn can focus on what’s currently important to them in the academic and research world.  Getting them through the sustainability award maze is one such example.  I also support CDB and its EA, Michael Wright more widely, where possible – especially around communications and our media/website. 

In future, I would like to spend more time writing – both science (communicating to lay people) and fiction – but that is another story altogether, perhaps quite literally!

What do you do now to chill and get work-life balance?

These days, I’m giving more attention to my other interests, such as music (especially singing, concert-going) and reading & writing (fiction/poetry) – I recently did a short poetry-writing short course at Faber.  

I also love exploring different places and walking in the countryside.  And I can now set aside far more time for being with friends and – when possible for them – my family than ever before. 

Would you recommend joining UCL CDB?

Yes, because the people are lovely – also interesting and varied; CDB has a justifiably excellent reputation in its field(s); and there are moves towards increasing inclusivity and openness.