Amelia Bullock
Cohort 9 – Project Officer, Asset Strategy & Development
Name: Amelia Bullock
Current job title: Project Officer, Asset Strategy & Development, South Yorkshire Housing Association
Internship/Placement role: Assistant Project Coordinator, South Yorkshire Housing Association
Degree: BSc Psychology, University of Sheffield
Where are you based: Sheffield
Background:
I was born and bred in Sheffield and I have always loved the city so much I saw no reason to move for University. I have always been fascinated with people and place and my favourite subjects at 6th form were Geography and Psychology… although I never even thought about a career in social housing! I worked in private sector recruitment straight out of University, which built my resilience but a year and a half into the job I had a “lightbulb” moment and decided I wanted to work somewhere which aligned more with my interests and values. I stumbled across a job advertisement for a role at SYHA which combined project management, data analysis and financial management and it really grabbed my attention. I decided to take a chance, interview for the role and I secured a placement in the Asset Strategy and Development department. I was lucky enough to secure a permanent position, a step up from my placement role 9 months into my placement.
What do you enjoy about your current role?
I absolutely love the variety in my job… it’s a cliché but no two days are the same! The best thing about my job is making things happen through problem solving and having the autonomy to make decisions whilst knowing I have full support from my Manager if I need it. A large part of my job is project management which involves managing relationships with stakeholders from the commercial housing sector, such as private developers and housing solicitors to help deliver the Association’s capital building programme (the delivery of new homes). I really appreciate working for an organisation that absolutely stands by its core values and I don’t have to show up to work and be someone I am not. Over everything it’s really fulfilling knowing my current role has a part to play in actually delivering social housing which can make such a positive difference to someone’s life.
What advice do you have for anyone looking to apply?
If you value your own development and wellbeing then you should absolutely go for it. One thing the GEM Programme has helped me develop is my ability to challenge myself and question things. When I joined the GEM programme and started my role at SYHA I knew absolutely nothing about housing – let alone social housing, but the programme perfectly combines learning and experience whilst introducing a full support network around you for when you need it.