Debbie Garbett

The degree course I undertook has provided me with diverse skills that I have been able to apply in every job role I have undertaken.

People think that the course is just about being a librarian, but it was so much more than that. The ‘librarianship’ ‘was only a small aspect of the course. The main concept was about how we find, manage and extract information to the best of our ability whilst understanding users abilities. This knowledge can be used in a variety of roles.

When working at Assa Abloy this was invaluable when organising my client database, ensuring that I could extract the information for analysis to the benefit of the company and the client.

In my Proposals and Bid Manager roles, I’ve used the knowledge gained to create bid libraries that are used throughout the company at all levels ensuring that we are providing the client with the correct information in a way which really sells our offering. The libraries were created with the end user in mind to ensure ease of use.

Post 16 Education: GNVQ Advanced Business, A Level English Literature

Higher Education: BSC (Hons) Information and Library Management

Debbie’s experience as a student

I absolutely loved my time at university and would do it again at the drop of a hat.

It provided me with not only a degree that has proved useful to me in all my job roles, but also the life skills required to succeed.

My course gave me quite a good balance between work and free time, with facilities open late to allow easier studying. The social aspect was really beneficial with events, sports and socials arranged for all types of interest.

You soon find your niche within the campus.

Debbie’s Career

My 3rd year of my degree was a placement year at British Airways. This provided great insight into how information can be analysed and managed to provide improvements and critical information for the running of a business.

Upon graduating, I started working on a graduate placement at Assa Abloy UK. After a year, I was placed permanently in the Export Department as a Business Development and Marketing Manager. I left after 4 years.

I then took a position as Bid and Marketing Assistant at Shaylor Group. Whilst employed here I progressed to Proposals Manager overseeing a team of 4 Proposals Coordinators and was responsible for the content of all bids that were submitted along with the management of our internal bid library. Within my 13 years here, I had two maternity leaves, progressing to Proposals Manager after the first leave of absence.

Then to my current position as a Bid Manager at The Coleman Group. I have been here for 5 months and am responsible for the management of all bids, ensuring they are robust in content and meet all client specifications; working closely with the Estimators and Pre Construction Manager.