I am a database assistant, part of my job is to move the data from the old database to the new one, which I like to describe as “Digital-Futuristic Librarian” because I take care of putting every data in its specific data category place, so researchers and staff can find it when they need it.
What brought you to the University of Aberdeen?
My husband found a job as a lecturer at the University of Aberdeen and I came with him. Shortly after arriving I found this wonderful job I am doing now.
What is your current focus?
Find all the information possible to complete the new database by exploring new data information. I am also enhancing my administrative assistance skills to efficiently handle time-consuming tasks, enabling those around me to focus on their core responsibilities.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I love that when you fill out a file in the new database, you get to the end and see that all the fields are complete. It's a great feeling, because that means that every piece of data is in its place, and it's perfect data entry.
What is your favourite thing to do in your spare time to relax?
I love cooking, it's one of my favourite hobbies. Recently I have taken to exploring the cuisine of India, Syria, Libya, Morocco, Turkey, etc.
Additionally, I have resumed my love for cross stitch, and I am making a Monet painting.
What made you choose this career?
Even though my background is Law, part of my talents also included support skills, and that is what I do now. Through my work I support the work of others, making theirs easier for them. Being helpful has always been essential for me, in any job I do.
If you could go back in time and choose a different career, what would you choose and why?
I think I would have studied something related to design or maybe marketing because I am quite creative, but at the same time I am attracted to a degree in Asian studies.
What do you think is the most challenging part about your job?
Without a doubt, the worst thing is ambiguous data or the lack thereof, since finding it elsewhere is highly unlikely, in addition to the fact that it is difficult to access those other databases where they could be. It's very frustrating at times.
What is an accomplishment in life you are proud of?
I think my two theses, the one for the degree in Law and the one for the Master in Human Rights. I won several awards with them, and with the last one I also had the opportunity to publish a paper in a professional journal in the field. They were the result of my effort and analysis and reasoning, without any help, of which I am very proud. In addition to my language certificates that I combined with my studies at the University.
Who has inspired you in your life and why?
I have always had role models or people I admire among fictional characters. For example, I have been and continue to be inspired by Morgane Alvaro from "HPI", Donna Paulsen from "Suits", Kate Beckett from "Castle" or Erza Scarlet from the anime series "Fairy Tail". They are all very intelligent women, some are somewhat rebellious like Morgane, others have a great sense of duty and justice like Kate and Erza, and Donna has that insightful humour and a lot of self-confidence.
