Meet Shezli Begum, PA to Executive Director – Barts Health NHS Trust

My name is Shezli Begum, I’m 34 years old and I’m the PA to the Executive Director of People and the Executive Director of Strategy at Bart’s London NHS Trust. I’m a resident of Tower Hamlets, I was born and brought up here and now also work in the borough.

I had my children quite young and they were my priority for the first couple of years until they started school. I was a stay at home mum with two children and when they went to school I wanted to put myself first and look for work. Back then I only had my GCSE’s and completed a level 2 in Business Administration but had no work experience.

I’ve been working in the Bart’s Trust for 9 years. My first role was through the Work it Out programme targeted at Tower Hamlets residents to support them into work. The six week programme offered work experience in the NHS. I successfully completed my placement and was encouraged by my team to apply for a 10 months maternity cover post.

My first role was a project administrator in the Public Health Team and I then moved on to become a PA, Office Manager, Project Officer, Business Support Officer, PA to the Director of Public Health & Director of Primary Care and now PA to Executive Directors in the Chief Executive office. Throughout my career I have worked varied hours from part time to full time to accommodate my family life. Through the Trust I have been able to develop and learn new skills. I’ve had the opportunity to study for NVQ Business Administration level 3. I was also able to get my functional skills in Maths, English and IT.

Here in the Chief Exec Office every day is different, it’s busy, challenging, fast paced but also rewarding. The support I offer the Directors is very much appreciated and I know by helping them they are able to do a better job. Everyday is different and it doesn’t get boring.

My main responsibilities are to manage conflicting diaries, support in the recruitment of staff, co-ordinate emails and letters coming in and manage office budgets. I support and manage my bosses life at work. I’m committed to working in the Trust and choose to stay here as it’s close to where I live and its important for me to be able to have work life balance.

Since working I have grown in confidence and become ambitious and believe in my own career development. My next step would be to become a business manager in the Chief Exec office.

Top tip
For someone who is looking for work but feels they don’t have the skills or confidences don’t let that hold you back from applying for jobs. Look out for work experience opportunities in your local borough. If you really want something you need to go out and make it happen. Stay motivated and put in the hard work.