Over the coming weeks I’m going to introduce you to each East team member of anzuk Education based in Melbourne. To kick us off, we’ll hear from our most experienced consultant, Laura, about what makes her tick and her exceptional experiences at anzuk Education.
Rob: How long have you been working at anzuk for now?
Laura: 2 years and 10 months.
Rob: And over those almost three years what is it about your job that gives you the most satisfaction?
Laura: I have my proudest moments when I finally get the call I’ve been anticipating informing me that a teacher who I’ve spoken with day in and day out has been successful with securing a role with a school who have been requesting them throughout a whole term.
Rob: You’ve certainly had a fair few of those moments, what’s your funniest story from your time working with anzuk?
Laura: During my second term of working with anzuk I was asked to help arrange a network event for Principals and APs in the Glen Waverley network. I sent out an email to around 90 or so people letting them know that ‘anzuk will be providing refreshing nipples on the day’. I didn’t realise my error until very concerned schools (in fits of laughter) started calling in alerting me to it. Needless to say this is a favourite story of the office and is a lesson to all of us to spell check before pressing the send button!
Rob: That was probably my favourite moment of the past 4 years. It became even funnier when an Assistant Principal at one of the schools called up to inform you he was lactose intolerant! I’d say half of the office were in tears after you sent that e-mail. It’s hard to follow that but what is your biggest highlight from your time so far?
Laura: Honestly there are too many to pick from, this is a very rewarding job in that it is our responsibility to support schools and support our education staff. There are many success stories and heartwarming moments from the people we have the pleasure to speak with everyday.
However, if I have one moment to choose, it would be when I was driving around on school visits listening to the radio. We had recently set up some advertising sponsorship with Yarra Valley FM and there was a segment called ‘Schools in’ which we chose to support and I had helped to write. During my day on the road our advert started playing, It was the first time I had heard the final version. Even though I didn’t have anyone to share this moment with I still cackled with excitement and it’ll forever be a highlight.
Rob: I wasn’t even aware of that?! Outside of work, what are your hobbies and interests?
Laura: I’m a bit of a theatre/drama enthusiast. I love heading out to shows and live music. I’m a karaoke queen who makes everyone endure my renditions of classic 80’s ballads and pop tunes. Also, a cuppa tea- I have about 5 a day and I’m very picky with how they are made.
Rob: You do make a good brew and you stole the show at your 30th with your many renditions. Tell us one thing that most people wouldn’t know about you.
Laura: While living in London I was part of a theatre company called ‘The Islington Players’ and my last show was a pantomime where I played the role of Prince Charming. And yes there is footage still out there.
Rob: I have no doubt you played the role to perfection. What do you see in the future for anzuk?
Laura: Our sparkling new purpose built office in Collingwood with lots of space for Professional Development and more interview rooms!
Laura has been an outstanding consultant with anzuk over the past 3 years and continues to grow having taking on extra responsibilities recently. Her relationships with schools and teachers are some of the strongest in the office and she works her hardest to ensure everyone she works with is left with an exceptional experience of anzuk. She has placed countless teachers in CRT and contracts across the East of Melbourne and if you are looking for teaching or assistant work yourself or know someone who is, please contact her on laura.m@anzuk.education – she may even be nice enough to make you a cup of her deliciously brewed tea.
