Profile:

•     I am hard working, reliable, trustworthy and can work well either individually or as part of a team. I am creative, have initiative, enjoy problem solving, and have drive and determination to succeed.

•     I am currently teaching English at a university in Hunan, China, having also spent a semester of my second year at university studying in Zhejiang Province. Such experiences have enabled me to experience life in a very different culture and have improved my awareness of other people’s needs. Living and teaching in China has enhanced my communication skills and my flexibility in response to new situations.

•     My contract with the Chinese Government expires in June 2010 with the option to extend for an additional year.

EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS

2006 – 2009:   The University of Nottingham

BA History with Chinese Studies (2:1)

1999 – 2006:   de Ferrers Specialist Technology College,

St Mary’s Drive,  Burton upon Trent,

Staffordshire,   DE13 0XJ.

A-Levels:      

       History (A) Maths (B) English Literature (B) General Studies (A)

AS-Levels:                                      Biology (B)

GCSEs:

       History (A*) Graphic Products (A*) Science Double Award (AA) English Literature (A) English Language (A) Information Technology (A) Mathematics Statistics (A) Religious Studies (A) French (B) Maths – taken a year early (B)

PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT

September 2009 – present

Hunan University of Commerce: English Teacher

Responsibilities

•     Teaching oral English to first and second-year university students whilst ensuring that their learning environment is as productive as possible.

•     I have full responsibility for lesson planning, assessment and grading.

Achievements:

•     Enhanced my initiative, confidence, presentation skills and time-management.

•     Enabled me to further explore cultural differences.

June 2009 – July 2009

The Friesland School: Student Associate

Responsibilities

•     Worked with the most challenging students in a deprived school in an attempt to assist learning and raise aspirations towards higher education.

Achievements

•     Enabled me to communicate with people from different backgrounds and exercise patience in difficult situations.

June 2007 – September 2008

The National Forest Maize Maze: Customer Service Assistant/Activity Supervisor

Responsibilities

•     Allowed me to be allocated a place of responsibility where integrity and trust are important in a team environment.

Achievements

•     Developed communication skills through interaction with customers of all ages.

•     Used initiative to find solutions to customer problems in a calm manner.

June 2007 – September 2007

The Monks Bridge Public House: Bar Staff

Responsibilities

•     Worked as part of a team in a pressured and busy environment whilst still delivering high quality customer service.

Achievements

•     Proved highly adaptable and flexible to shift patterns.

•     Used tact and patience to effectively deal with difficult customers.

October 2004 – January 2007

Marks and Spencer’s plc: Customer Service Assistant

Responsibilities

•     Worked under pressure and regularly used my own initiative to make decisions.

Achievements

•     Furthered my communication and diplomacy skills by actively aiding customers and providing a high quality and friendly service.

•     Enhanced my ability to work in a team and to meet strict deadlines.

•     Exercised effective time management whilst working as well as studying for my A-levels and university exams.

VOLUNTARY EXPERIENCE

September 2008 – July 2009

Manning Mentoring Scheme: Mentor

Responsibilities

•     Mentored girls aged 15-19 from deprived backgrounds to encourage them to achieve their potential.

•     Arranged meetings to listen to problems and give necessary support.

Achievements

•     Enhanced my communication skills and my ability to overcome challenges in difficult situations.

September 2006 – June 2007

Karnival Charity Scheme: Charity Fundraiser

•     Raised money for charity via street collection and participation in charity events.

September 2004 – June 2006

Macmillan Cancer Research: Charity Fundraiser

•     Organised frequent coffee mornings to raise money for a very good cause.

INTERESTS AND ACTIVITES

•     Photography: I was an active member of the photography society at the University of Nottingham and I continue to pursue this past time.

•     Embroidery: I have been a member of the Derbyshire Embroiders Guild for seven years.

•     Chinese culture: Studying and teaching in China has increased my interest and appreciation of other cultures. I am currently learning mandarin at beginners level.

•     History: My studies and my membership of the History Society have helped to further this. I won the ‘Sue Batterby Prize for History’ for my achievement in my History A-Level.

•     Travel: My time in China has allowed me to do extensive travel within China, Thailand and Vietnam.