Janice Young
Communications Officer
Medical Sciences Divisional Office
Tell us a bit About your role
I work closely with the Head of Communications, supporting the practical implementation of the Division’s day-to-day communication outputs. In reality, this covers everything from preparing the monthly Oxford MedSci Newsletter, acting as Editor-in-Chief of the Medical Sciences Division’s website to managing the @OxfordMedSci Twitter account and producing content for strategic initiatives and projects, specifically those that support the activity of the Business Partnerships Office. There is never a dull, or quiet, day!
Prior to joining the Medical Sciences Divisional Office team, I worked in the Department of Experimental Psychology as Executive Assistant and Communications Officer. I have worked in marketing and communication roles in the not-for-profit and education sectors for 15+ years and thoroughly enjoy the fast paced and creative nature of the job.
What is the most meaningful aspect of your work?
I find my role rewarding in so many ways, whether it’s communicating important information internally or raising the profile of Medical Sciences research externally.
Can you tell us about something you’ve done, contributed to that you’re most proud of?
Growing up in a small Cornish town, going to university was never really an imaginable option. Instead, I settled down and focussed on family life. However, a few years later and after a move to the ‘other side’ of the River Tamar, I had a budding desire to learn about human behaviour and began to seriously consider my options. I knew I had to continue working full time and I had two young children, so I enrolled with The Open University for a BSc Psychology.
Seven years later, I am in my final year and hoping to start an MSc in Marketing & Communications Management in September at Oxford Brookes. Studying whilst working full time and being a single parent has challenged me in more ways than I care to remember, but it has been 100% worth it. I have learnt so much, not only about human behaviour, but about myself in the process. It’s not something I say often, but I can honestly say that I am proud of myself. I know it’s a cliché, but it really is never too late to learn!
What changes would you most like to see in the Medical Sciences in the next 100 years?
There are a few things on my wish list for Medical Sciences over the next 100 years:
- More cross-departmental/divisional collaboration and sharing of resources
- More diverse representation in senior positions
- The challenges of the last 12 months have empowered communication professionals worldwide, as their skills and expertise have been recognised and valued like nothing ever before. I would like to see this continue.