The opportunity to contribute to a variety of projects and collaborate with people from across the whole University is what first appealed to Pani Ziaei when joining Flinders as a Project Officer in the People and Culture team. Hear about some of her exciting initiatives and why she loves Open Days so much!
What is your role here at Flinders and what does it entail?
I’m a Project Officer in the People and Culture Change and Strategy team. My role involves coordinating and supporting the delivery of change management activities and strategic projects enabled by People and Culture. Day-to-day, I help ensure projects stay on track, assist project leads, draft communications, and develop change management documentation and relevant supporting materials.
What first attracted you to this role?
I’ve always been drawn to strategic roles where no two days are the same. The opportunity to contribute to a variety of projects and collaborate with people across the University really appealed to me. I love being part of work that makes a meaningful impact and helps shape positive experiences for others. Being able to support different initiatives and work with passionate colleagues is incredibly rewarding.
What’s been the most exciting project you’ve worked on at Flinders?
It’s hard to choose just one! A standout for me has been the Academic Career Framework project, led by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor Raymond Chan. I joined the project earlier this year and it’s been an incredible learning experience. As our academic profiles hadn’t been reviewed in some time, this work has been essential in aligning with contemporary practices and international excellence frameworks. It’s been a privilege to contribute to such an important initiative.
Why do you choose to help out on Open Days?
I absolutely love Open Days! They’re such a pivotal moment for future students as they make one of the biggest decisions of their lives. For me, it’s also sentimental—I still remember attending Open Day as a nervous Year 12 student, unsure of what path to take. I always volunteer at the welcome booth, hoping to greet students with a warm smile and help them feel excited and supported. It’s a truly rewarding experience.
Where do you like to grab a coffee or bite to eat on campus?
Bon Voyage is my go-to for coffee – hands down the best on campus! For food, I love Toly and Bon Voyage again. You really can’t go wrong with either.
Tell us about your ideal weekend.
My ideal weekend starts with a run or a pilates session, followed by a good coffee. I love spending time outdoors, so heading to the beach or going for a hike in nature is perfect. If it’s raining, I enjoy curling up indoors with a good book or movie – anything that brings a sense of calm and recharge.