Meet Sarah, Directorate SMT Administrator at Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, who is currently working towards her Level 3 Business Administrator qualification with Haddon Training. After returning to work from maternity leave and navigating challenges with confidence and dyslexia, Sarah made the decision to refresh her skills and embrace new learning to support her professional growth.
Sarah shares her inspiring journey so far – how the qualification has helped her rediscover her confidence, the support she’s had along the way, and her hopes for the future.
Can you tell us a little about yourself, what you do and where you work?
I’m Sarah Johnson, and I work as a Directorate SMT Administrator at Oxford Health NHS Trust. I support the Senior Management Team by managing administrative tasks and helping the directorate run as smoothly and efficiently as possible.
What inspired you to pursue the Level 3 Business Administrator qualification?
Ever since returning to work following maternity leave, I often felt like I was navigating a fog. Add a case of dyslexia to the mix, and my confidence took a nosedive. I found myself double guessing every decision, convinced that baby brain had permanently taken over after those 9 months of nappies and baby talk But then, inspired by my amazing teammates, I decided it was time to shake off the cobwebs and gear up for new challenges.
What is an accomplishment you are proudest of so far?
Joining this course has truly been a game-changer! It’s helped me gain a clearer understanding of how things work and has really pushed me to grow professionally. It feels like I’ve hit the refresh button on my skills – boosting my confidence and allowing me to apply my knowledge with much more ease in my daily tasks.
How has your Trainer Coach supported you?
You never know what you’re getting when you sign up for training – sometimes it’s a snooze-fest, and sometimes it’s a game-changer. Luckily for me, my coach Jo is a breath of fresh air. Picture a delightful blend of wisdom and wit, always just an email or Teams call away. She’s got a knack for turning the driest information into something downright entertaining. With her down-to-earth approach and boundless knowledge, she’s like the Mary Poppins of trainers – minus the umbrella, of course!
What are your hopes for the future?
I hope to uphold the knowledge I’ve gained over the past year and apply it to any future work roles. Consider it my secret weapon to conquer the business world! I aim to dazzle my manager with newfound confidence and sprinkle my wisdom like confetti on everyone around me. Who knows, maybe one day I’ll have a team of my own. Ultimately, my goal is to rise through the ranks, be the best I can be, and inspire my daughter to believe that anything is possible (even if it’s just getting through Monday mornings with a smile!).
Are you interested in our Level 3 Business Administrator qualification? Click here to find out more.
We also offer a range of Business qualifications, you can explore these here.
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