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From Precious
February 29, 2008
05. Dilruma Begum
Information Co-ordinator | General
Precious: Tell us about the route to your job.
I actually graduated in Law and Sociology – not at all related to my current position! Although many people expected me to follow the law path, whilst studying the subject, I came to realise that I could not practice something which I was not passionate about.
During my final year at university as a broke student, I heard about a temporary admin position at CIDA. I applied, was called in for an interview and a few days later, I was told that I had been successful and started almost immediately.
When I first started at CIDA, I had expected to stay there for the 6 weeks as advertised, save some money and move on to something which was more related to my studies. However, the 6 weeks turned into 6 months and before I knew it, I was offered a full time position. By that time I had graduated and as all graduates will know, finding a job was like finding a needle in a haystack!! Honestly speaking I did not see myself staying on for a long period. However, as the time passed, I found myself enjoying the work I was doing. Two and a half-years on, I am now CIDA’s Information Co-ordinator.
Precious: Describe a typical working day.
One of the best aspects of working for a small organisation is the flexibility that comes with it. I usually start work at 9/9.30am but this varies according to my schedule. My day always starts by reading and corresponding to the hundreds of emails in my box! I find this to be the best way to start my day as it gives me a chance to drink my tea and fully wake myself up!
I like to think of myself as the ‘email queen’ of CIDA – it’s usually me who sends out masses of emails to individuals and organisations to keep them up to date on what’s happening in the creative industries (quick apology to anyone reading this who receives 10 emails a month from me!)
Once I have checked my emails, it’s routine as usual. As CIDA’s Information Co-ordinator, I am responsible for putting together the monthly e-newsletter, the East London Cultural Calendar, CreateKX e-newsletter and populating CIDA’s website as well as other duties which may arise from time-to-time.
Precious: What do you love most about your job?
The great thing about my job has got to be the people I work with – staff members as well as clients. Working within the creative industries means that I get to meet some very interesting characters! Another bonus has got to be the free invites and tickets which we all receive (from theatre tickets to private views). It’s always nice to receive freebies!
Precious: Is there anything that you really dislike about it?
Definitely the paper work! As publicly funded organisation, it’s very important that we keep evidence for everything we do. We are all responsible for our own filing – and as everyone knows it’s not the most interesting of jobs. But at least it gets me away from the computer screen.
Precious: What's been the most exciting event of your career so far?
I would have to say taking part in creative links expo:o4 (a creative industries event organised by CIDA, see www.creativelinks.co.uk for more info). Being past of such a huge event was fantastic. Although it was extremely hectic during the lead up to the big day itself, it was all worth the stress when the final event took place.
Precious: How do you see your career progressing over the next five years?
To be honest, I don’t like thinking too much ahead! I am enjoying my current position at CIDA and would like to continue working along that route. I am still learning as each day passes. The good thing about my job is that there are always opportunities to further your knowledge – both through training and working.
Precious: What do you do to relax?
Sleep! Nothing beats being tucked in bed with the music on. I’m a huge fan of the old classics – a bit of the Commodores, Marvin Gaye and Mary J Blige usually helps me go to sleep. Besides music, I also love reading. Coming from a legal background, my favourite author has to be John Grisham. I think I have read all his books 4 times each!
Precious: Any advice to those who wish to follow in your footsteps?
My main advice for anyone wishing to work within the creative industries is to get some work experience. Nothing beats getting hands-on experience. Volunteering opportunities are always available within smaller arts and community organisations. Even if it is general administrative duties like filing – this will give you an insight on what working within this industry is like.
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