Name: Shona Norman
Title: Graphics Manager
Length of Service: 31 years
What has been your career path while at Abertay?
I started in October 1988 as a Reprographics Technician. Graphics were based in The Attic - as part of the Media Centre - and was run by two chemists, Molly Gunn and Alastair Stewart, who both interviewed me. Over time, Joan Penman took over from Molly and I became a Graphic Designer then Information Specialist (Graphics) when IS pulled together the Media Centre along with the Library and the Computing centre, followed by Senior Graphic Designer and now Graphics Manager.
What made you want to work here?
It was a graphics job, which were difficult to get! I'd been working at a flag factory in Cupar for four years after finishing my degree at Duncan of Jordanstone and prior to that, I'd worked in Wm Low for nine years. I'd actually applied for the job at Abertay - then Dundee Institute of Technology (DIT) after recently changing its name from Dundee College of Technology - at the same time as one at Hydro Electric, which would've involved plotting energy lines. I was offered both jobs but came here as it was closer to what I was interested in.
How has the University changed over the years?
Well, the physical appearance of the place, and the people, are always changing. The culture hasn't though...it's always been friendly and it's still small so it's easy to get to know people. When I first started, our team had no contact with other staff - all jobs came through our Manager who would agree briefs and then ask us to action them. I like that, over time, we got to be more involved with people and work through their ideas together. That's changed again recently as many jobs come in through ECR colleagues but we're still here to help!
The technology in the job has changed massively. When I first started, we didn't have computers - we had to do everything on a Lightbox. One boss didn't think Macs were very good and it took for them to leave for the uni to adopt them - around 1996ish - and it's been much better since. We're now in line with industry.
What has been the biggest improvement?
Again, the technology. The environment is nicer now too that we're not in the Attic and in the big ECR space - although I notice that I'm getting closer and closer to the front door!
Personally, having done the job for so many years, I have confidence in what works and what doesn't for print jobs. It's made me better at being assertive and I have no problem in saying when something isn't right!
What do you miss the most?
I miss the people who have left over the years.
What are your memories of the campaign and, eventually, confirmation of University status in 1994?
I remember there was a lot of excitement and buzz about it. The work itself didn't really change as we didn't have many dealings with the students. We also, sadly, didn't have any say in the external 'Do it at DIT' campaign - which helped to increase student numbers so we qualified as a uni - or the University logo, as these were put out to an external company.
Who has been your favourite or most memorable colleague?
Three of my best friends were made here; Jill Dempster, Shonagh McAlpline (who I still speak to every day even though she's emigrated to Australia) and Danielle, who used to be part of Student Recruitment.
What is it about Abertay that has made you want to stay all these years?
I've always enjoyed what I do. I like the job and I like the people. I've always been good at spotting talent and potential and it's been nice to give new graduates or interns or work experience students the opportunity to learn and to grow too.
Shona at her desk in 1995
Posted on 13th Aug 2019
Last modified by API