Christina Jones - Cumbria Careers Hub

Christina Jones

Why did you become an Enterprise Adviser?

“Supporting others in their personal development is important to me, having acted as a tutor, worked as an Educational Officer for a university in the USA and acting as a career mentor at Sellafield Limited.  I look forward to extending this into the local community.”

Tell us about your chosen career or career pathway to your current role

“I have always enjoyed science and knew at an early age I wanted to pursue a science-based education. Having studied Biological Studies at university, I originally worked in the USA at the University of Minnesota as an intern at the Jane Goodall Institute of Primatology and the University of Natural History which was based on the campus.  On my return to the UK, I had a change in career direction, taking a role at Sellafield Limited in Safety Case Management.  I worked in this field for 14 years until I moved into my current role where I undertake independent assurance and oversight of several nuclear plants on Sellafield Site.  This move in role has allowed me to move from an operational / technical / science-based role into a more strategic role as part of my on-going personal development.”

What careers advice would you give to your 16-year-old self?

“Be open minded!  Whilst it is good to have a plan in mind for your future, remain open to the unexpected opportunities that present themselves.  Much of my experience has come from taking different roles in very different environments, meaning I have developed transferrable skills since graduation 18 years ago.

I would also recommend observing the working styles of others, identifying the skills you admire in these people and learning from them as you grow and evolve in your working / educational career.”

What do you like/love best about living and working in Cumbria?

“I am not from Cumbria originally, having grown up in Greater Manchester and living in Lancaster and the USA for some time.  That said, Cumbria is home to me now and I cannot imagine living or working anywhere else!  I love the feeling of community spirit in Cumbria and the natural beauty we are surrounded by.  My husband and I have young twin daughters and I cannot imagine raising them anywhere else.”