Springboard: "building confidence in my new role and myself"
Wednesday, 27 February 2019
The Springboard Women's Development Programme enables women to take more control over their own lives and careers and is for women of all backgrounds, ages and stages of their life. The programme combines the attendance of four full day workshops, completion of a workbook, networking and co-coaching. In this article we catch up with Cecilia Muldoon:
“I had heard about the programme as it was mentioned by many of the Faces of Reading. I was new in my role (and to the sector) and the programme seemed a good way to broaden contacts but also to build confidence in my new role and myself. This was a real gaining experience for me as I realised that it doesn’t matter what your role or grade we’re all in the same boat. Being on the programme created a safe space for us and I felt that I could share anything within the group.
“I’m still in touch with members of the cohort I was a member of and we tend to meet up informally which gives a good feeling of community. It’s especially nice to see familiar faces when I go to Whiteknights Campus and has helped with that feeling of being slightly cut off form things at the London Road Campus.
“I started a PhD last October which wouldn’t have come about without me taking part in the Springboard Programme. I had wanted to study for a PhD when I left university but wasn’t able to, so it’s empowering to be able to revisit this. The programme also gave me confidence in my new role, particularly the ability to suggest changes. The coaching sessions has informed the way I speak with my children: by asking and listening rather than telling which has brought about a positive change in my family life.”
Cecilia Muldoon is a Programme Administrator in the University’s Support Centre.
We've been hearing from those who have been on the programme:
Springboard: "a support mechanism in my professional and personal life"
If you'd like to apply please email Steph Hayward in People Development and include the following: a short statement (one page maximum) explaining why you want to join the programme and what you hope to get out of it; a short statement from your line manager supporting your application and agreeing to your attendance on all four days and the follow-up day and confirmation that you will be able to commit to attending the four workshops that will run on the following dates (all 09:30-16:00): 30 April, 21 May, 18 June and 9 July. The deadline for applications is midday on Friday 22 March 2019 for all hoping to take part in the programme.