Dr Megan Kelly
Having spent over ten years studying her BA, MA and PhD at Queen's, Megan uses her personal and academic experience to help support and elevate the PG student experience as part of the Graduate School Student Engagement Team.
Tell us about your academic and career journey before you began working at The Graduate School?
My university journey was entirely with Queen’s. I did my BA in History, my MA in Conflict Transformation & Social Justice and my PhD in Sociology here. My PhD thesis looked at the emotional labour of acute care nurses that worked during the ‘Troubles’ in Belfast. I was inspired to do this after learning about ‘hidden histories’ of conflict during my MA and there was a keen public interest in nursing at the time.
When I finished my PhD in 2021 I spent the first few months waiting for my VIVA and around 4 months completing corrections. During this time I started working as an Associate Lecturer in Criminology at the Open University. I was also teaching a bit of Sociology and Criminology at QUB.
What led you to pursue a career in higher education and student engagement?
I had been teaching in drips and drabs since second year of my PhD. I had also worked as a research assistant during my PhD. After I finished my corrections I wanted to take some time away from research and teaching and learn a bit more about other ways of supporting students.
When did you start working at The Graduate School and what is your role here?
I started working at the Graduate School as a CA in July 2022. I then began my role as a Graduate Intern within the engagement team in February 2023.I really enjoy working with those within my team and I’ve loved learning from there about things such as event planning. There are lots of challenges we face, and I sometimes find it difficult to sign post students. I’ve had to quickly learn that we can’t sort everything out for them-and that’s okay!
Can you share some examples of the types of challenges or concerns that students often approach you with, and how you assist them?
We get a huge range of questions at the desk, phone and email. Some of the most recent questions have been about funding opportunities. We have lots of information online so I’ll often link the students to that. However if it is a more specific query I will sign post them to the PG awards team. However, I’ve often found that students just want reassurance more than anything so I’ll always make sure to use a calming and clear tone when responding.
How has your previous academic or professional experience prepared you for your current role at The Graduate School?
I think I have a pretty good insight into what students want from the Graduate School. I pretty much lived here during my PhD and it’s been really interesting to learn more about the efforts that goes on behind the scenes. It’s been really eye opening!
If you could give one piece of advice to incoming students, what would it be?
Do not, under any circumstances, compare yourself to anyone else! Every student’s journey is different and everyone has different working patterns, goals and priorities.
Are there any unique resources or opportunities available through your department that students might not be aware of?
I am always shouting about the PGLI! Students will often ask ‘oh do you have a book club?’ And things like that. I always encourage them to look into the PGLI to start one themselves. It’s also really good experience to fill in a funding application.
Name one thing you can’t survive a working day without. Why’s it so important?
My ‘to do list’. I colour coordinate my ‘to dos’ into ‘bigger jobs’, ‘in progress’ and ‘done.’ It really helps!
How do you stay up-to-date with the latest developments in your field to better serve students' needs?
I dedicate sometimes looking at what other universities are doing to see if we can learn from them. It’s been really useful when planning social and community events.
Do you have any favourite inspirational quotes or mantras that keep you motivated in your work?
Hmmmm…how about: ‘Team work makes the dream work’ ha!
Do you think there are any unique challenges that students face today which are different to the challenges students faced in previous generations? What are they?
There are some students that completed their A-levels or undergraduate during Covid-19. This has had a massive impact on their willingness to work with groups, or attend social events on campus. It came be really hard to encourage students to come to things when they are used to working alone or from home. Trying to find the balance between hybrid and in person events can be very challenging.
What's your favourite thing about Belfast that students should definitely check out?
Our brunch spots and restaurants are really underrated! I recommend following ‘Belfast Foodie Finds’ and ‘Feminine Foodie’ on Instagram for the best restaurant ideas and reviews! For a quick bite around campus I’d also definitely recommend The Juice Jar.
If you could switch roles with any student for a day, which program or course would you choose, and why?
I love Tudor History so I would probably go to a MA class about Anne Boleyn or something like that ha! Queen’s actually offer some open learning courses that I’m keen to look into.
What's your favourite book?
Everyone should read ‘Queenie’ and ‘Women don’t owe you pretty.’ But my all-time favourite book is ‘The Magic Cottage.’ I’m also listen to Harry Potter on Audible at the moment.
Share a fun fact about yourself that might surprise your colleagues and students.
I was an extra in GOT!
If you could travel back in time, which historical era would you visit and why?
100% the renaissance period! Just to see what it was like when everything started to change…
Do you have a favourite travel destination or a memorable trip?
I’m very lucky to have been to Fiji. I will also always have a special love for Italy.