Operation: Big Ben - Pipe Dream???

[Abe Sargent]

Originally Posted by 3ric

How about these:
American Intercontinental University, http://www.aiulondon.ac.uk/
British American College, http://www.bacl.ac.uk/index.htm
Boston University (London), http://www.bu-london.co.uk/
Delaware University (London), http://international.udel.edu/projects/default.asp
Notre Dame (London), http://www.nd.edu/~ndlondon/londonce...oncentre.shtml
Schiller International University

AIU has been added to my list and I e-mailed them this afternoon.

British American uses the Regent's College dorm, so I already covered that.

Boston U was added and emailed.

U Delaware does not have traditional residence halls but apartments, but I emailed them anyway (someone has to supervise them)

Same with Notre Dame

Schiller has just one residence hall as part of a large building that also has offices and whatnot. I still emailed them, because one never knows.


Thanks 3ric - you did good work!

-Anxiety

[3ric]

Thanks - I just googled "foreign institutions london campus" and the very first hit was:
UK Universities and Colleges
Foreign institutions with campuses in the United Kingdom. American Intercontinental
University [London]; Boston University · University of Delaware [London] ...

[Abe Sargent]

Scratch off Delaware from the list since I recieved the following e-mail over the weekend:


Dear Abe - We don't employ a housing director in London. Instead we
work with a reliable real estate company in London to provide
accommodations for our students.


-Anxiety

-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Notre Dame's response:


Dear Sir

Thank you for your enquiry. I am sorry to say that we do not have any openings
in student housing nor do we envisage there being any in the foreseeable
future.



-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

I was out sick yesterday, and today I have some catching up to do. There'll won't be too many updates today. I should have sone time int eh afternoon, and if/when I do, I'll do a bit more researching.

-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Okay - let's take a look at a few things:

A friend e-mailed me a few sites. First up is a job posting for a housemaster for a private Catholic boarding school. I don't really think I could do this job justice, espeically since I might be requried to teach Catholicism. I'm fine at a Catholic University, where there's no pressure to teach catechism or anything, but a boarding school is probably quite different.

http://www.newhallschool.co.uk/home/senior/jobops


Here's a job posting for Coventry U. They need a person to run a new residence hall. The pay is quite low (14-15k) and I do't know what they are talking about when it says this:

You must hold a HCIMA or City and Guilds of London Institute qualification or HND in institutional management and hold or be willing to undertake a First Aid certificate. You should also be willing to work unsocial hours, including weekends and bank holidays. The successful candidate will be required to reside within the halls of residence for which a one bedroom flat will be provided.


Guilds? Unsocial? Any help here would be appreciated.


http://corporate.coventry.ac.uk/cms/...?d=293&a=14540


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

A few more:

Here's a posting for a job. I can't tell much more than that from teh job posting. Take a look:

http://www.totaljobs.com/Jobseeking/job19934725.html


From the pay scale, I suspect that I wouldn't qualify for that, ever.


Here's a job that's nowhere near the UK:

http://www.higheredjobs.com/internat...Code=175163944

My friend included it in an e-mail as a joke, becuase I really like the South Pacific history and culture.


-Anxiety

[Chas in Cinti]

My Guesses:

Originally Posted by Anxiety

You must hold a HCIMA or City and Guilds of London Institute qualification or HND in institutional management and hold or be willing to undertake a First Aid certificate.

A guild is a collection of similar trade or craftsmen organized for the purpose of regulation and reputation. Think of it as a Union for entrepreneurs... In this case, you need a certain qualification from one of two groups (HCIMA or "City and Guilds of London Institute") OR and HND in Institutional Mgmt (what's your degree in again?).

Originally Posted by Anxiety

You should also be willing to work unsocial hours, including weekends and bank holidays.

Unsocial hours represents hours that normal business isn't conducted, don't expect weekends and evenings off. Further, you should expect to be available during most holidays.

Hope that helps...

Regards,
Chas

[Abe Sargent]

My degree is in Public Admin. I wonder if that's okay?

-Anxiety

Originally Posted by Chas in Cinti

My Guesses:



A guild is a collection of similar trade or craftsmen organized for the purpose of regulation and reputation. Think of it as a Union for entrepreneurs... In this case, you need a certain qualification from one of two groups (HCIMA or "City and Guilds of London Institute") OR and HND in Institutional Mgmt (what's your degree in again?).



Unsocial hours represents hours that normal business isn't conducted, don't expect weekends and evenings off. Further, you should expect to be available during most holidays.

Hope that helps...

Regards,
Chas

[Abe Sargent]

My friend just e-mailed me and was upset because I used the friend word, so here is what my friend would like me to use:


"Sexy Intelligent Irish Blonde Intimately Aquainted Best Friend Who Is Sorry For Calling You Four Times Last Night"


-Anxiety

[Eaglesfan27]

Originally Posted by Anxiety

My friend just e-mailed me and was upset because I used the friend word, so here is what my friend would like me to use:


"Sexy Intelligent Irish Blonde Intimately Aquainted Best Friend Who Is Sorry For Calling You Four Times Last Night"


-Anxiety

Pix plz, k thx

[Chas in Cinti]

Originally Posted by Anxiety

My degree is in Public Admin. I wonder if that's okay?
-Anxiety

Me thinks, yes... and what Eaglesfan said...

[Buccaneer]

Originally Posted by Anxiety

Dear *****:

Thank you for your reply. It is unfortunate that you are unable to consider me as a candidate for the Student Affairs Officer. I believe that you would find me very qualified and I was looking forward to this position. I was hoping that you would be able to hire me and then apply for a work permit on my behalf, but if you are unable to do so, then I understand. Should this situation change, please do not hesitate to contact me as my interest will remain. Thank you again for your consideration.

You might want to soften your tone a little. When I first read that, it came across as being demanding and a little threatening. I know that wasn't your intention.

[Abe Sargent]

Originally Posted by Buccaneer

You might want to soften your tone a little. When I first read that, it came across as being demanding and a little threatening. I know that wasn't your intention.

How so?

-Anxiety

[Buccaneer]

It sounded as if getting them getting you a work permit was the most important thing.

[Abe Sargent]

Originally Posted by Buccaneer

It sounded as if getting them getting you a work permit was the most important thing.

Right. How would you change it?


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

I have no new e-mails this morning. Many of my e-mails have never even been responded to. Ah well. I head over to the job posting websites to take a look around and see if anything new has been posted.

At first I think I may have spotted something good on one of the job sites, but its for a government housing development project, not university housing. Plus, it's only part time work.

I keep looking.

There's a job to run an entire college, but that's not me. There's another job to head up admissions. Again, not me.

I keep searching.

What do I find?


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Here's a job posting I found:

Student Accommodation Assistant (6 month fixed-term contract)

Residences Section

Salary: Professional Services Level 2b (£19,560 - £22,280 per annum)


We are looking for an Accommodation Assistant to work within our busy Student Accommodation Office, based at our main South Kensington campus. The successful applicant will be responsible for providing full administrative support in the allocation of accommodation to students.

Applicants should possess at least 2 years’ experience in a similar role. You should enjoy working as part of a team, but you must also be able to prioritise your own work and manage your time effectively in response to tight deadlines. You should be able to use your initiative and work under pressure, while retaining the ability to communicate clearly and effectively at all levels.

Good IT skills, including the use of standard software packages including Microsoft Office, are essential for this role. You must also possess both sensitivity towards, and an understanding of, the concerns of students.

*
Application form
*
Job description and Person Specification

If you think you have what it takes to join our team, further details and an application form may be obtained via the links above or by contacting Alison Leeson, Student Accommodation Office, Ground Floor, 15 Prince’s Gardens, London SW7 2AZ. Tel 020 7594 9444, Fax 020 7594 9440 or email [email protected]

Closing date: 27 January 2006



Okay - let's go over the good and the bad.

The good:

- It's in central London
- I am more than qualified

The bad:

- It may not be a high enough level position to qualify for a work permit
- The pay is on the lower end of what I would want
- It's a step down in job responsibility


Incidentally, what does this mean:


Minimum GCSE/equivalent level standard including English


-Anxiety

[Kalypso]

If you are confident enough in your abilities, you may not have to have an employer sponsor you for a work permit. Recently the lace w:st="on">UKlace> began the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP) which is a point based system of immigration for successful people with coveted skills. In order to be considered, you must reach a score of 65 points based on various factors such as age, highest degree earned, work experience, earning power based on geographical location, any achievements you’ve received in your field, your partner’s education, if you are doctor licensed to practice in the UK (adds a 50 pts) and then some “pass/fail” requirements such as are you fluent in English, do you intend to continue working in your chosen field, etc.>>

At the risk of being too bold, I’ve taken the liberty of adding up your points based on the information you’ve provided. You are at a 55, with a few things, if you have them that aren’t apparent, you could be at a 65 or over and eligible for a HSMP work permit.>>

No harm in seeing if it is an option for you, here is the web site:>>

http://www.workpermit.com/uk/highly_skilled_migrant_program.htm>>

Regards,>>

[Abe Sargent]

Wow that sounds great! I'm heading over there right now!

-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

I just did it, and I hit 60 out of 65.


-Anxiety

[Kalypso]

Sorry it didn't work out. I'll keep reading and be on the look out for you...

[Abe Sargent]

I came across an interesting position that I am giving serious consideration to apply to:


Here's the link: http://www.mdx.ac.uk/jobs/docs/exe31.pdf


A quick review of the requirements:

Education to A level with 5 years experience or grad level with 2 years experience (grad level with alomst five years, so I'm good).

demonstrable excellance in administration, organization (check)

substantial experience in a personal assistant role (with the WV Senate)

proven ability to communicate orally and in writing (easily check)

ability to work on own (I love it)

Windows and Microsoft experience (more check)

Word processing skills in Word (that's what I write published stuff in, so check)

Web browsing skills (heh, check)

Experiecne in use of spreadsheets and graphical packages (spreadsheets, check, graphical packages from grad school, check)

significant knowledge and awareness of higher ed management (very much check)


Desirable:

knowledge and awareness of higher ed funding (yay! check)



Pluses of the job

- Part of the job allows me to set my own schedule. YAY!
- Very nice salary
- It probably would carry work permit status
- Its in London


Negatives

- I would prefer a housing job
- It's not in central London


Like I said, I am seriously considering applying for this job at Middlesex University.


-Anxiety

[tanglewood]

Originally Posted by Anxiety

Incidentally, what does this mean:


Minimum GCSE/equivalent level standard including English

GCSE's are the basic exams that everyone takes at 16. Obiviously, you are ok here. (Just remember: colour, organise, aluminium )

Keep looking and good luck.

[tanglewood]

Dola

Also I think that, whilst not exactly strugling to make ends meet, living in London on less than £20k would be very hard on the ol' wallet. Perhaps your best sho will be to get a job outside London, but still in the south (like Middlesex Uni) and then after a year try to move into London. Or perhaps move into a new line of work altogether.

[Abe Sargent]

I have filled out the application for the Middlesex U job and will fax it tomorrow morning.

-Anxiety

[JeeberD]

Best of luck with the Middlesex job!

[Chas in Cinti]

Good Luck! We need to see some good results!

Regards,
Chas

[Coffee Warlord]

Heh, wow. Under their little point thing, I'd have 80. 50 points from work experience pays off.

[Abe Sargent]

I've been doing some site-hitting today, but so far I've seen nothing. I haven't received any new information.

How long do I want for those institutions who never e-mailed me back before I try again? A large number of the schools that I initially e-mailed have never bothered to respond.

-Anxiety

[Coffee Warlord]

When I get a chance, I'll ask a british coworker of mine if he has any tips/contacts/etc. Who knows, he might have some useful information.

[Abe Sargent]

Originally Posted by Coffee Warlord

When I get a chance, I'll ask a british coworker of mine if he has any tips/contacts/etc. Who knows, he might have some useful information.

Great!


-Anxiety

[Coffee Warlord]

Just talked to him, he's gonna give a cousin of his and another friend a hollar to see if they have any insight.

[Abe Sargent]

I swing by the websites to take a look at any new jobs that may have been posted in the last few days.

I came across a nice job, let's take a look:

Student Life Administrator
New York Univ in London

http://www.jobs.ac.uk/jobfiles/PZ663.html

Basically, I plan programs, events for a small group of students which changes on a semesterly basis (150-350) from the USA including attending excursions outside of London occasionally. So, if we take a weekend trip to France, I have to go with them.


Sounds like a lot of fun. Here are the requirements:

* Have a first degree and some relevant work experience. (Yes)
* Have an understanding of the issues facing students studying abroad. (Obviously, I'll be aboard, so yes, plus I've worked with international students here at EMU)
* Have strong organisational, interpersonal and IT skills. (Yes)
* Be able to work with students in a relaxed and flexible manner, including some anti-social hours and weekends away. (Yes)
* Be willing to work on his/her own initiative with little supervision. (Absolutely)
* Be enthusiastic, pro-active and committed, and enjoy working in a small team. (Yes)
* Experience of working in UK or US higher education. (Massively)
* Experience of providing support and/or advice in a professional setting. (Yes)
* Display flexibility in accepting duties and assignments (Very much so)


It seems like everything is a go for that one.

It's a new posting, and it does not close for a while (not until Feb 27). Still, I'll likely apply.

-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Nevermind. I clicked for further details and it said that they can't or won't apply for a work permit on my behalf. Sigh.


-Anxiety

[RPI-Fan]

Originally Posted by Anxiety

Nevermind. I clicked for further details and it said that they can't or won't apply for a work permit on my behalf. Sigh.


-Anxiety

Just curious -- have you gone back through that "self-test" for the work permit to make sure there's NO way you qualify?

I'm not condoning lying or anything of the sort, I just think that's an option you should really make sure you totally exhaust before moving on.

[Abe Sargent]

Originally Posted by RPI-Fan

Just curious -- have you gone back through that "self-test" for the work permit to make sure there's NO way you qualify?

I'm not condoning lying or anything of the sort, I just think that's an option you should really make sure you totally exhaust before moving on.

Yeah, I did. It was sad. Have you taken a look at it? There's only a few areas - education, work experience, etc. to get points in. Now, if I married someone with a Masters, I could get in.

So what are you doing the rest of your life?


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

I want to ask this question again, because I am unsure of the answer.

How long do I want for those institutions who never e-mailed me back before I try again? A large number of the schools that I initially e-mailed have never bothered to respond. Where is that line between interested and annoying?

-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

The Univ of London weekly job posting is late this week. Its posted every Monday, but there's been no posting this week. They compile the job opening sinto a bulletin and there's a pdf available, but no dice so far, so every few hours I hit refresh - it's interesting.

-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

I came across a job a short while ago to work for Wizards of the Coast - a gaming company in Seattle. I applied. I've applied there numerous times, but I've really gotten much of a sniff. Just my luck if they want to hire me now that I have my eyes set somewhere else

-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Here's a job opening. See what you think. It's a step down, and I'm unsure about the whole "would it get me a work permit" thing. Take a look:


Personal Assistant to the Head of Residences

Residences Department

Salary £22,870 – £26,120 per annum

The Residences Department is responsible for the management of student accommodation in London, Silwood Park and Wye Campuses.

We are looking for an experienced PA to provide a comprehensive administrative and secretarial support to the Head of Residences. Main duties will involve dealing with correspondence, typing committee papers and reports and arranging meetings.

The successful candidate will have effective interpersonal and communication skills and he / she will be required to provide a first point of contact to a wide variety of staff at all levels, as well as students and external visitors.

At least three years experience as a PA at a senior level is required, preferably in a complex organisation.

*
Application form
*
Job description and Person Specification

Further information is available via the links above.

Completed application forms, should be emailed to [email protected] or posted to Miss Sharine Brown, Residences, 15, Prince’s Gardens, London SW7 2AZ.

Closing date : 10 February 2006
Valuing diversity and committed to equality of opportunity

[Abe Sargent]

Brunel Univ has an open lecturer in politics position. They need someone with a speciality in American government and history. This would be perfect, except that they have a requirment for research.

Seriously, no lecturer positions in America require a research background because they are solely teaching positions. Yet another great position to which I am unqualified.

-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

YES YES YES YES YES YES YES!!!!!!!!! Finally I've found an ideal job opening at London South Bank University. Let's take a look:


SENIOR RESIDENCE MANAGER - MG8
JOB SUMMARY
Faculty/Department:

Residential and Catering Services
Job Title/Grade: Senior Residence Manager, MG8
Reporting to: Head of RCS
Further information:

We seek a Senior Residence Manager for our student accommodation operation. This is a key role within the Department, responsible for the effective day to day operational management of four student residences, accommodating approximately 1,400 students.

You will possess relevant managerial experience in large/multi site student residential accommodation operation or similar, including soft facilities management. You will have a proactive approach, good communication and organisational skills and the ability to develop and motivate staff. A good working knowledge of MS Office is also desirable.

In addition to attractive working conditions, 26.5 days annual leave and final salary pension scheme, we can offer you an exciting challenge and excellent opportunities for training and personal development.


Whoot! I'm taking a closer look now but I am VERY excited.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Let's take a closer look at this job, shall we?



Selection Criteria (Cut and pasted from a document)

A. Ideally qualified to degree/HND level or equivalent in a related subject eg. Accommodation/hospitality/facilities management. Those applicants with a good record of career progression and relevant personal development will also be considered. (yep)

B. Current or recent responsibility for the operational management of a large (minimum 300 bedrooms) single and/or multi-site student residence, or similar
residential operation. This should include responsibility for provision of soft FM
services. (Absolutely)

C. Experience of leading and motivating teams of staff. (Yep)

D. An ability to demonstrate a proactive approach in providing and monitoring customer focused services. (Yessir)

E. Experience in the production and subsequent monitoring of budgets. (Absolutely)

F. Possession of excellent interpersonal skills. (I like to think so)

G. The ability to organise and prioritise work loads and to demonstrate flexibility when required. (I am super flexible man)

H. A working knowledge of the management of health and safety in a residential environment. (Sure, safety is one of my main concerns)

I. A good working knowledge of MS Office. (I have this)

J. An understanding of and commitment to Equal Opportunities. (Absolutely)


Everything is looking good.

-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

I'm filling out the application for that job, and I came across an interesting question:

Should I call myself Professor in the title field, instead of Mr?

As an adjunct lecturer, would British people find itappropriate to use the professor title? I don't want to appear to presume anything.

-Anxiety

[Chas in Cinti]

Titles are important to the Brits... I wouldnt use Prof unless you had tenure (just my thoughts).

[AlexB]

Originally Posted by Super Ugly

Lower second, 2:2 - This means you probably have brains, but spent too much time in the pub.

I'm taking a court injunction out against you and sweeping my house for bugs/video cameras as we speak

[AlexB]

Originally Posted by tanglewood

Dola

Also I think that, whilst not exactly strugling to make ends meet, living in London on less than £20k would be very hard on the ol' wallet. Perhaps your best sho will be to get a job outside London, but still in the south (like Middlesex Uni) and then after a year try to move into London. Or perhaps move into a new line of work altogether.

Personally I would have thought £30k would be absolute minimum in London, unless of course the job has cheap/free accomodation as part of the package, which given the nature of the positions Anxiety is looking at is not unreasonable.

Just found this today - good luck with the hunt Anxiety - if you need any info just ask, although I am not a Cockney or based in London, I do a fair bit of work there (although I also don't particularly like the place. Fortunatley most of my work is in outside the City itself, so I can just about cope with my weekly visits there!)

[AlexB]

Originally Posted by Anxiety

I want to ask this question again, because I am unsure of the answer.

How long do I want for those institutions who never e-mailed me back before I try again? A large number of the schools that I initially e-mailed have never bothered to respond. Where is that line between interested and annoying?

-Anxiety

My job includes sales, and therefore contacting (or often leaving messages/e-mails): it's a tough line. I tend to work on calling again after one week, then missing a week out before trying again if no response. Some people don;t mind, some will happily speak to you/e-mail back immediately when you happen to catch them at a good time, some will just blank you constantly, even if it's part of their job to deal with these calls (e.g. public bodies, universities, etc).

Just go with what you feel comfortable with, if you feel you are pestering the people, you will be less direct than you want to be and not achieve what you want when you do get an answer.

[AlexB]

Originally Posted by Anxiety

Here's a job opening. See what you think. It's a step down, and I'm unsure about the whole "would it get me a work permit" thing. Take a look:


Personal Assistant to the Head of Residences

Residences Department

Salary £22,870 – £26,120 per annum

The Residences Department is responsible for the management of student accommodation in London, Silwood Park and Wye Campuses.

We are looking for an experienced PA to provide a comprehensive administrative and secretarial support to the Head of Residences. Main duties will involve dealing with correspondence, typing committee papers and reports and arranging meetings.

The successful candidate will have effective interpersonal and communication skills and he / she will be required to provide a first point of contact to a wide variety of staff at all levels, as well as students and external visitors.

At least three years experience as a PA at a senior level is required, preferably in a complex organisation.

*
Application form
*
Job description and Person Specification

Further information is available via the links above.

Completed application forms, should be emailed to [email protected] or posted to Miss Sharine Brown, Residences, 15, Prince’s Gardens, London SW7 2AZ.

Closing date : 10 February 2006
Valuing diversity and committed to equality of opportunity

This job can be summed up as:



The second job sounds more like your cup of tea, and I agree with the post that says do not use the professor title under any circumstances if you have not officially been awarded it.