About this session
Starting out in higher education can be exciting, challenging and, at times, overwhelming. This facilitated panel discussion brings together experienced AHEP members and Fellows to reflect candidly on their early career journeys in professional services roles.
Panellists will share what they wish they had known in their first five years, including lessons about confidence, navigating institutional cultures, building credibility, and making career decisions. The session will combine short reflections from speakers with structured discussion and space for participant questions, creating an open and supportive environment for shared learning.
In line with recent programme feedback highlighting the value of practical insight and peer connection, this session is designed to offer honest perspectives and meaningful dialogue rather than generic career advice.
Why attend?
Early career stages often involve unspoken rules, shifting expectations and a degree of uncertainty about progression. Hearing from those who have navigated similar pathways can help to normalise common challenges and build confidence.
By attending, you will:
- Gain insight into the realities of early career development in higher education
- Learn practical lessons drawn from lived experience rather than theory
- Reflect on your own career direction and professional identity
- Connect with peers who may be facing similar questions or decisions
This session offers a valuable opportunity to pause, reflect and reframe your experience within a broader professional context.
Who is this session suitable for?
This session is particularly suited to:
- Early career professionals working in higher education professional services
- Those in their first five years in the sector
- Colleagues considering their next career step
- Individuals seeking to build confidence and clarify their professional direction
It may also be valuable for line managers who support early career colleagues and wish to better understand the challenges and questions they face.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:
– Recognise common challenges experienced in early career stages in higher education
– Reflect on their own career development and professional identity
– Identify practical insights to support confidence and progression
This session most closely aligns to Empowering Professional Development, by enabling you to reflect on your career development. The session forms part of AHEP’s wider commitment to supporting sustainable careers, reflective practice and confident progression and informed decision-making
We look forward to welcoming you to this event.
Details in brief
Venue: Online
Date: Wednesday, 22 April
Duration: 12:00 – 13:00
Price: Free and exclusive to AHEP ‘associate’, ‘members’, ‘accredited’, and ‘fellow’ members.
If you have any questions, please contact events@ahep.ac.uk
Panel
Thea Gibbs MAHEP
Director of Operations
University College London
Thea Gibbs is Director of Operations at the Faculty of Laws, UCL, leading Faculty operations as well as supporting institutional initiatives. Prior to her current role, Thea was Director of Operations of a large research centre at Coventry University, and helped build the Centre for Trust, Peace and Social Relations from scratch into a thriving, successful operation. Thea has over 20 years’ HE sector experience in strategic and operational management roles in settings including student services, academic departments and strategic programmes. Before developing her career in university administration, Thea worked in the commercial sector. With a professional background in information management, Thea worked as a Law Librarian in a City law firm and as a Business Researcher in a large venture capital firm. She has completed a PhD which examined the work relationships of university professional services staff and how these influence the quality of services they provide.
Jim Irving MAHEP
Pro Vice-Chancellor Students and Governance
Solent University
Jim is an experienced higher education leader with a proven record of success. Jim has first-hand experience of the diversity of the sector and the impact that we make for students and communities. Jim is a collaborative leader who is dedicated to developing service excellence and delivering organisational change through coaching and mentoring. He is passionate about the role of the Association of Higher Education Professionals in supporting colleagues to fulfil their career ambitions.
In addition to his current role, Jim has held positions at the University of Portsmouth, Imperial College London, the University of Southampton, the University of York, and York St John University.