How did you first hear about jobs in housing?

My first introduction to it was the Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Association (NIFHA) advertisement for a Communications Officer in the Belfast Telegraph, October 2006. I did not have a specific goal to work in the housing sector; I was looking for a job which met my skills set and other personal criteria.

How did you find further information about a career in housing?

Once I'd received notification of my interview I did some online research - NIFHA's own site, Department for Social Development (DSD) and Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE). From them I gathered a greater understanding of the depth and breadth of social and affordable housing in Northern Ireland.

What was it that appealed to you when you were thinking about a job in housing?

Before NIFHA I was working within the voluntary sector with an organisation which helped vulnerable families and knew I wanted to remain within or close to this sector. The position at NIFHA met my skills set and this wish to contribute towards improving my community. However, I can't honestly say I specifically targeted the housing sector.

How did you get your first job in housing?

This is my first job connected to housing. Although I was happy at my previous work I did want a change. When I saw this job advertised I realised I had the necessary skills and qualifications to apply. The experience I'd gathered in previous roles fit those required by NIFHA and I was fortunate, after a presentation and interview, to be appointed.

What personal skills and qualifications did you have that helped you secure your first job in housing?

Qualifications wise I have a degree (social geography and economics with Spanish) and a post grad in business. I have also the advanced certificate in marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing and various other qualifications relating to business and marketing.

At the time of applying I also had several years' experience of working in marketing and public relations in both the private and voluntary sector. I had gained considerable experience of publication production and in putting together, maintaining and marketing websites. This experience has proved invaluable to my work.

What skills & training have you gained since you have had your job in housing?

I have received a considerable amount of 'on the job' training which has added to my skills. I have been fortunate to be able to attend a range of training courses directly and indirectly related to my role. I have been able to apply this training in a variety of ways and not necessarily in the way they were originally intended!

My knowledge of the political situation and institutions of Northern Ireland has grown considerably and it's meant I've been able to make an effective contribution to NIFHA getting the housing message across to our political representatives. I have also been able to attend meetings with political party people and contributed to the lobbying work done by NIFHA on behalf of its members.

My project creation, implementation and management skills have been sharpened through a number of successful projects I've undertaken.

Describe a typical day?

Does anyone have a 'typical day'?

There are standard things which I do each morning such as check emails, check through online news to see what's happening in housing in NI and the UK in general and then I check my task list and update/prioritise them. After that I get on with ploughing through the list of tasks I've devised but inevitably things happen during the day causing a change in my list. Happily I am adaptable and can re-prioritise easily.

I do have certain tasks which must be completed regularly. I suppose a typical day would compose of working on publications, website updating and event planning/management. This is nice to have to use as a frame but I do like variety and the job does offer plenty of that.

What would you tell people who are interested in a housing career?

Ensuring good quality affordable accommodation is at the core of the housing association movement and since joining the movement I've discovered there are a wide range of opportunities. It is an area which employs people in human resources, finance, IT, administration and marketing to name but a few. Although somewhat a cliché, I would advise anyone to 'never pigeon-hole yourself' and be open to working in the housing sector as your skills might just be what they need.

I'd also say be prepared to take every opportunity which comes along even if it doesn't appear to relate directly to your job, you never know what's on the horizon! I didn't know how fascinating and fundamental to people's well-being the provision of good quality affordable housing is until I joined NIFHA. My eyes were opened and I'm glad they were.