From reception to development - Amy's story

 Amy Bernstone, Receptionist and Development & Alumni Coordinator, Shebbear College

Tell me about your role now, and the career path that led you to it (include when you started working in schools development)

 I am currently Receptionist and Development & Alumni Coordinator at Shebbear College. I started as school receptionist in January 2020. Before having children I worked in logistics, so a school environment was new to me! My first step towards the development side of my role came when I was introduced by a friend who was both a member of staff at Shebbear and an Old Shebbearian to the Old Shebbearians' Association Committee who needed some administrative assistance. They were such a positive group and still so keen to support the school in any way they can. 

What pivotal moments or decisions have significantly influenced your career path? 

The decision to help the Old Shebbearians' Association on a voluntary basis was an easy one for me. Most of the committee now live quite a distance from rural North Devon and so my being the link between the OSA and College proved useful. I then became an honorary member of the committee and was a guest at the annual reunion dinner in London. When I saw the many OS from different countries and decades all so happy to see each other and sharing such a fondness for Shebbear I knew we really had something to build on. 

What were some of the most important lessons you learned early in your career that have shaped your approach to schools fundraising and engagement? 

That friend-raising is just as important as fundraising and that you need a 'why' before you ask for anything. Also, you need time to build relationships and engagement - these things do not happen immediately! 

 

Can you share a significant challenge you faced and how you overcame it, as well as a major success that had a lasting impact on your career?

When I first started, the OSA and Shebbear College were viewed as completely separate entities. I was passionate about bringing the OSA back into the fold of the school, putting my strategy forward to the SLT and persisting with my case. A major success would be getting the 'buy in' from the current Head and Bursar who are receptive to input from the committee and appreciate the value that a strong alumni body can have for a school. 

Can you describe an instance where you have successfully advocated for a change within your organisation or role? What motivated you to push for this change? 

When I asked for the creation of an official development and alumni role. I pushed for this because development and engagement really spans our entire school community, current and past parents, recent leavers and older alumni and having a member of school staff as the link between them all is really important. Having the flexibility to attend the IDPE course and take some time away from my Reception role has also been a valued change. 

What training or professional development experience has been most valuable to you, and how has it influenced your career? 

Without a doubt the IDPE New to Development course. The advice from all the speakers has been invaluable, I have taken away so much. Also, everyone - from the speakers to the IDPE staff and the other attendees - have been incredibly supportive and really given me confidence in my thoughts and ideas along with practical ways to take them forward.

If you could ask any one question of a potential future employer (school) at an interview, what would it be? 

Where does development sit in the school's overall strategy?