Stephanie O'Connor - Administrative Officer

Name: Stephanie O'Connor
Job: Administrative Officer
Team: Private Office
Joined OFT: 2006

I studied secretarial skills at college to BTEC National Diploma level. After I left, I signed up with an employment agency, and they got me a temporary role at the OFT.

I was working in the Enquiries Unit as part of a team answering calls from the general public. When I started, I didn't know much about the OFT beyond what I'd picked up from the news. But in fielding enquiries, I quickly learned about the range of work we do.

I enjoyed the temporary assignment and liked working for the OFT, so in the next recruiting round I applied for a permanent admin post in the Private Office of the Chairman and the Chief Executive. I help to manage their diaries as well as getting involved with their correspondence and travel arrangements. I also help prepare for the meetings of the board and the audit committee. Two days a month, I go to Edinburgh to do the admin for our office in Scotland. It's a busy job, and you always have to be on your toes - but that's how I like it.

I hope I can develop my career here over the next few years. The next step for me would be a move up to an Executive Officer role. It's the kind of place that makes you feel you can make progress.

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