Malcolm H.
About me
| Malcolm H. | |
| Sociology | |
| Social Science (Sociology) | |
| Undergraduate | |
| Derwent | |
| 1971 | |
| United Kingdom |
My employment
| General Manager (Retired) | |
| Tobacco manufacturer | |
| United Kingdom | |
| Engineering and manufacturing |
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A day in the life of a General Manager (Retired) in the United Kingdom
It was also somewhat challenging to be in an industry that was perfectly "respectable" when I joined but suffered a gradual loss of favour and public esteem over the years that I was with them.
Briefly describe the organisation you work for
Tobacco manufacturer
What do you do?
(Retired) Site and Project Manager responsible for all aspects of site management including HR, Health and Safety, structure, catering and neighbour relations
Reflecting upon your past employment and education, what led you to your current career choice?
A summer internship in one of their Northern Ireland factories gave me a taste for manufacturing although, initially, my Social Science degree suggested to my employer a career in Personnel (HR). I did my IPM (now CIPD) exam and qualified. I had some knowledge of law, so they drafted me in to become the employment law specialist in the company.
Is your current job sector different from what you thought you would enter when you graduated?
No, I stayed with my one employer for 36 years.
Describe your most memorable day at work
As a junior Departmental Manager on early shift in the factory where I was working, I was made aware that one of the tobacco drying machines had a fault which might cause a fire in the machine. I took advice from the engineers and decided to proceed with caution (we we very short of the product coming from this dryer). I briefed my colleague at shift change and went home. I got a very tense phone call from him later saying that the thing had indeed caught fire!! I'm not sure the late shift did the inspections that they should have done, but there we are
Anyway, I was summoned to a very scary meeting with the Factory Manager next morning. Happily, my immediate boss (who I had forgotten to consult the day before) supported my decision and said he would have done the same. I was relieved and resolved to consult more widely in future on key decisions!!
Are there any challenges associated with your job?
People and technology are the two big challenges. It was also somewhat challenging to be in an industry that was perfectly "respectable" when I joined but suffered a gradual loss of favour and public esteem over the years that I was with them.
What’s your work environment and culture like?
It was a friendly company, with considerable cultural loyalty and cohesiveness. The Northern Ireland context was tricky given that the "troubles" kicked off about two years before I joined and raged for most of my career. Travelling there was quite tense, and there was a lot of politics flying around
What extracurricular activities did you undertake at university and what transferable skills did you develop through these?
JCR Committee, Disciplinary Advisory Committee, captain University Second Cricket XI. Very useful to gain experience of organising/running things in a relatively "safe" environment, looks good on the CV and gives you an early taste of working with others to achieve objectives/outcomes.
What would you like to do next with your career?
I am retired (16 years), now mainly doing voluntary work for charities.
I was a magistrate for 16 years until forcible retirement at 70. They are now changing the law, so I might be offered a return (until 75). Much though I enjoyed the Bench, not sure I would return. We'll see.
What top tips do you have for York students preparing for today’s job market and life after graduation?
Think what you want to do, check that your target employer(s) offer this, do your homework for EACH prospective employer and be clear in your mind which is which ( I have done much interviewing..it is fatal if you muddle up one target employer with another). Relate your skills and aspirations to what you can offer them
What topics from students are you happy to answer questions on?
Any pre job seeking work, CV, interview preparation, intern work, gaining experience, qualifications
Is there anything else you’d like to tell us?
Hope I can help. I have been helped in my time.....
Next steps...
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