Jessie Paterson

Thankfully, no day is the same for me as it’s the constant change that keeps me interested and motivated. Some days I can be doing a lot of face-to-face teaching, the next seeing students individually for study skills or student support and in between running staff workshops but its ever changing. I really enjoy helping people and see them grow in there potential and it’s really gratifying to help them on that journey. One of my proudest achievements is the VetPALs scheme, now also the GEP VetPALs and most recently AgriPALs. It is fantastic to work with such brilliant students and see their enthusiasm to help and support their peers.

How did you get to where you are today? (obligatory question)

Good question and I often wonder how… I was brought up on a farm in Ayrshire surrounded by nature and the great outdoors. It was a big step to move to the big city to attend the University of Glasgow where I got a BSc (Hons) in Agricultural Chemistry. I then kind of drifted into doing a PhD again at the University of Glasgow but based at the then SAC, Ayr looking at the Cobalt deficiency in cattle and sheep from the soil, plant through to the animal and also got a taste of Vet diagnostics. This gave me the grounding for my first job as a Specialist Agriculture Advisor with the then SAC, Edinburgh on major & minor minerals largely in crops before I became the Manager of the Analytical Services Department again within SAC, Edinburgh. I started to get itchy feet so moved to the University of Edinburgh where I spent sometime in the now School of Divinity initially as an IT person before taking on a more wider role around supporting teaching and learning particularly with an electronic focus. While I enjoyed this I really wanted to be working directly with students so when the job came up at the R(D)SVS I moved again.

 How did you land your current role? (obligatory question)

I think being at the right time in my career. I was just finishing a secondment at the IAD and feeling that I needed a change as I felt in some ways I had out grown my role in Divinity. I saw the advert for a teaching fellow at the R(D)SVS that included study skills support and thought why not apply & give it a go. I was taken aback when offered the job but so glad I was given the opportunity. I feel since I have joined the R(D)SVS I have had the opportunity really to grow and do something that I hope is really helpful. But this is built on years of experience (& learning) from the early days on the farm to now.

Think back to five years ago. Did you envision your career as it is today?

Definitely not! I joined the R(D)SVS in 2012 and if anyone had told me 10 years ago I would be doing the job I do now I would have said don’t be silly. For me its keep doors open, take the opportunities that come and be prepared to take risks and challenges, trust your gut reaction. Some things you learn from courses but some are purely through life experience, listening to others and just being open to try things and give it a go!

Was there ever a role you applied for and landed, but weren't 100% qualified to do? How did you proceed?

All of them! I just reminded myself they had appointed me so they must think I can do it! I would also say ask and be completely honest; folks don’t expect you to know everything and be able to do everything so take it slowly and use the “I am new” as long as you need it. Try to get familiar with all aspects – sitting in, shadowing even the things you won’t be doing just so you know what is happening . In the first year, don’t be overly ambitious and just try to get your bearings.

How did you develop the skill of engagingly students when teaching?

To me the key is to be a human being, so make mistakes, don’t be perfect – yes you want respect but they also need to see that they can relate to you & can approach you as well. Bring in some personal stories, things that help to illustrate and make what you are saying more interesting and make it more alive.