From briefing SET to planning VIP visits, no two days are the same for External Relations Advisor Lauren Clarke. We sat down with her to hear more about her work that is helping position Flinders as a leading voice in society, and how she’s supporting her local economy in her spare time.
What is your role here at Flinders?
I work as an External Relations Advisor in Government and External Relations, which sits within the Office of the Vice-Chancellor.
What does that entail?
Our team’s function is to advise and support the wider University community to assist and build its engagement with key government, political and industry stakeholders, which can involve strategically linking colleges with relevant Ministers or government offices, briefing senior University staff on government policies or reforms, and facilitating the attendance of dignitaries at University events.
I look after the Colleges of Business, Government and Law, Nursing and Health Science and Medicine and Public Health, as well as the Research portfolio. It’s been great so far getting to know the work happening in these areas, and I’m always eager to connect and hear more about exciting developments across these portfolios, so if you ever want to talk about how GER can help you get where you want to go – I’d love to hear from you.
Why is external engagement so important for Flinders?
Being engaged with influencers outside the University is crucial to ensuring that we are positioned as a leading voice in society, and to amplifying the incredible expertise held here. By maintaining strong relationships with our stakeholders, we ensure that Flinders remains front of mind across the board, and is seen as a strategic partner of choice.
How did you get into this line of work?
I have previously worked as an adviser in state politics, as well as in other roles in state government, so this role presents an opportunity to use those skills in a different way. I studied law at university, which has set me up well to understand our systems of government and to attack work with an analytical eye.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I’m only a few weeks in, so everything is still pretty new and not yet typical, but it can involve anything from planning and preparing for a Ministerial visit to the campus, researching and writing a briefing for senior University staff about a particular Government policy or priority area, coordinating the University’s external corporate memberships or assisting with VIP events.
What’s been your favourite part about working at Flinders so far?
Given the size of the organisation and the breadth of the expertise contained here, the variety of work and subject matters you can be exposed to is exciting, and makes each day feel different.
How do you like to spend your spare time?
I enjoy running, reading, trying new cafes and watching AFL.