Spend 5 minutes with Health Economics and Health Technology Assessment's Miriam Yentumi... (Admin Assistant)

Photo of Miriam Yentumi standing next to a horse

Tell us a bit about what you do in SHW

I'm an administrative assistant with the Health Economics and Health Technology Assessment (HEHTA) research group. The role is very varied! I carry out general administrative duties for our team and look after our website, social media platforms and short courses. I also have peripheral involvement in some of our research projects and have recently started a research management qualification funded by the School of Health and Wellbeing (SHW).

What do you enjoy about your role?

No two days are the same! And I work with a fantastic team, both at HEHTA and within the wider professional services team at SHW. I've had a very diverse working life and had never considered a career in administrative support prior to joining the university. It has been a positive experience which has allowed me to use my current skillset as well as learn lots of new things.

What are the challenges?

It can be hectic, and you need to be multi-skilled and flexible to tackle everything that comes your way! Admin staff can find themselves juggling a lot of disparate tasks, from organising seminars to taking minutes and reporting building issues, all while answering the doorbell and getting the coffee ready for meetings!

What is the best thing about working in SHW?

The best thing about SHW is undoubtedly the people! I've always been lucky to work with great people throughout my working life and SHW is no exception! It's also a very unique and supportive environment to work in and I've made lifelong friends.

Tell us something we might not know about you

That's a tough one! I used to be a digitabulist but my mum chucked out my collection when I went globetrotting.

When or where are/were you happiest?

I loved living in London and in Accra – both cities are close to my heart, and I loved calling them home. Pre-children, I was happiest on horseback and hope to get back in the saddle in 2023! New Year's resolution loading!

Do you have a favourite quote or saying, or mantra by which you try to live your life?

Most of us face challenges at some point in our lives, so I suppose my favourite saying is "This too shall pass" – things may seem bad and like there is no way forward but at some point they will be a distant memory. 

If you would like to appear in "5 minutes with...", do please get in touch (shwadmin@glasgow.ac.uk)! We aim to feature colleagues from across a wide range of roles and grades within our school, both staff and students, research/teaching and professional services. 

First published: 1 November 2023

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