First Day of Work

One day down. 104 left! I'm only kidding.

I had my first day of work today and I can report back that I thoroughly enjoyed it. My official title is Faculty Course Administrator, and I will be working in the Student Faculty Office in the Business, Computing and Information Management Department. Click here to see my profile on the LSBU Web site.

As a Faculty Course Administrator, I will be working with post-graduates earning a Masters degree in International Marketing and International Business. All their queries will go through me and I will either resolve the issue or direct them to someone who can. For example, if a student wants to file for an extension for their dissertation, then I will handle the necessary paperwork (by the way, it is a 100 pound for an extension).

My day today included a morning with Cris in HR, followed by a run through Payroll, finished up with Security to get my badge.

My friend Matt, who helped me find the job, and I went to a local pub for chili chips and a pint. One difference between working here versus working in the States is the attitude toward alcohol. I won't go as far as to say drinking is encouraged during lunch, but having a pint over lunch is almost customary.

So, before I could get access to the LSBU network, I had to get a staff number from security. After I obtained one, I sent the number off to get my password. About an hour later, my account had been set up, but under the surname "Trifune." My boss Fatmatta and I were both a little irritated with the error and she quickly called to get it fixed in the system.

Over lunch I was telling Matt how ridiculous it was that they messed up my name in the system because the woman helping me looked at my badge to verify the spelling. At that very moment it dawned on both of us to check the spelling of my name on the badge. Sure enough, it said "Trifune."

Now I know what you're thinking, "Nathan, why didn't you check the spelling before you left with your ID card?" Well, first, I just assumed they got my name right. Second, my boss grabbed my card first and I figured she looked it over to verify the content. Either way, the error made it passed my peripheral.

Overall, my first day was enjoyable. I spent the rest of the afternoon reading material. It was a bit overwhelming with all of the information they threw at me. Names of people, offices, locations, etc. Tomorrow is another day and I'm excited to get settled!

And I almost forgot to mention that I get a week and a half off for Christmas, AND it's paid vacation!