Cen Mustafa has worked as an editor at Nottingham Trent University and made the most of her opportunities at the University – both at her desk, and away from it.

Wanting to make a difference

Cen from an agency background and wanted to start making a positive impact on people instead of just selling things, which is she was attracted to higher education. Cen explains that the higher education sector has changed a lot in the past ten years and from a marketing standpoint it's exciting to be part of those changes.

"It’s such a tough market," adds Cen, "Everyone wants students’ attention, and everyone’s shouting, so we need to keep thinking of smarter ways to reach people. Marketing used to be a bit of an afterthought in universities: nowadays, it’s at the absolute forefront of things."

Driving innovation

As editor, Cen felt her role was to drive innovation at Nottingham Trent University. "We’ve just delivered the Creative Room, which is a new bespoke thinking and planning space for our marketing teams," says Cen. "It was influenced by my time in the private sector, and I played a really key role in bringing together different stakeholders to make it happen. And that’s another example of what I love about NTU – collaborating across the community, and moving things forwards together. We work together to get results."

Supporting a work-life balance

According to Cen, Nottingham Trent University supports an all-important work-life balance, which is everything from facilitating her professional development to giving her the flexibility and support when she needs it most.

"Working here is so much more than just a paycheque – you’ve got access to opportunities that can genuinely change your life," says Cen. "This year I’m taking part in the Aurora programme, which develops women leaders in higher education, and I recently helped to establish the Race, Equality and Cultural Heritage – or REACH – network, which embraces the rich cultural diversity of NTU’s colleague community. It helps to influence NTU’s policies and plans. The University listens to its experts, and there has been great buy-in at a senior level."

Cen's favourite part  of Nottingham Trent University has been the number of things she can take part in outside of the office. Cen runs the colleague and students’ basketball team; she's been involved with the Nottingham Trent University knitting club in support of Help the Aged; and she's always having bake-offs. "My banoffee pie is legendary!" says Cen.

"This is genuinely the nicest place I have ever worked," adds Cen. "I’ve done so much here, and met so many people – it really has been a fantastic journey."

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