Name: Kia Zamparelli

Pronouns: she/ her

 

Job Title/ What do you do here:

My job title is Senior Student Administrator. I’m based in D22 with the rest of the student admin team. I do exam and academic misconduct administration - I organise the process and scheduling of exam papers and/or plagiarism panels, creating a schedule and deadlines to line up with the university schedule to ensure that all exam papers are ready when they are needed and/or plagiarism cases are escalated in a timely manner. With online exams, I build the assessment area on Blackboard and make sure everything has been checked with exams officers to ensure that information is as clear and concise as possible for students. I also work with the Digital Champion to make sure that the exam information and exams are easily accessible on Blackboard and fit in with the new layout and design of Blackboard.

For in person exams my main priority is to share the exams with exams office and print services so that they are ready to be transported to and from exam halls. I set the exams up on our mark recognition system so that they can be automatically marked but also do manual checks for any discrepancies.

 

What’s a Typical day for you?

I work in the office 3 days a week and at home 2. When I’m in the office I catch the bus in - I’m lucky enough to be travelling with Dionne (our SAM) so normally we just chat but otherwise I use the time to do some life admin online!

In the role there is no such thing as a typical day. My previous role was much more student facing but in this role I have most of my contact with exams officers, unit directors and external examiners. What I am doing really depends on where we are in the academic year and what is coming up!

 

Favourite part of working here:

In the summer I like to go and sit in Royal Fort gardens to have my lunch. I also have a great team and I have really enjoyed working with my team and have got on with everyone really well. I enjoy coming into the office to see my team and we all have a laugh together.

In terms of the job I like that it’s not the same all the time and things change depending on the academic cycle so I am never stuck in the same routine all the time.

 

What do you like to do outside of work?

I have two dogs at home- a Westie and a Maltipoo (a Maltese crossed with a poodle) so I love to spend time with them. I enjoy going for walks with them and playing with them as they are so hyperactive! I love coming home to them and seeing how excited they are to greet me, they always brighten up my day!

On the weekends I love to go away to spend time with friends- especially back to London where I have previously lived to meet up with friends and catch up.

I also have a black belt in Karate which is something that I am really proud of! I don’t really train anymore but it’s something that I would love to get back to in the future. I dance in my spare time and go to the gym to keep up my fitness.

 

Any advice to someone wanting to get into your career path:

When I was at Uni for my undergrad I started working in the careers service there. Everyone was so lovely and that really swayed me to working in higher education as it felt like I was surrounded by like minded people who had the same values as me. Working in student administration is a great role for anyone who loves to communicate with others and likes to work to a deadline and problem solve on the spot!

 

Is there anything else you want to share?

My big passions when I was younger were around dance and cheerleading but following 2 major injuries in the space of 3 years I had to step away from this. I spent over 2 years in recovery which meant that I had to repeat a year of uni which was really tough. It also meant that I had spent a lot of time being quite isolated which had a big impact on my mental health and confidence. I had a lot of support from my lecturers at university and I sought out additional support from a life coach which really helped me restore my confidence and organise my lifestyle. Since then, I have gone from being anxious about getting on the bus to being confident to interact with people from all walks of life and apply for opportunities, and have more belief in myself and my abilities.

I would advise anyone who is struggling with their confidence or mental health to seek support- even if you feel like it’s something that may not help you. I felt like that at first but once you’re over that first hurdle it’s something that can really make an impact. Our culture can make admitting to struggles to be a weakness but everyone has their own struggles and anyone can benefit from additional support- no matter how big or small you think the issue is.