This is yet another in our continuing series of interviews with members of staff at RGU. This time we feature a “Glasgow boy, born and bred,” but, we’re glad to report, he’s finding a lot to like about life in the north-east of Scotland!
Name: Thomas Craig
Job Title: Lecturer Sport and Exercise Science
Department: School of Health Sciences
What attracted you to come to work at RGU?
Initially when the role was advertised a number of current and ex colleagues got in touch to let me know it looked like it had been written for me. I had found myself out of the academic world for over 12 months after 12 years at the University of Stirling and it was a great opportunity to come back in.
I was attracted to the applied nature of the Sport and Exercise Science courses at RGU. As an employer myself in my previous role, too many graduates come with academic knowledge and no real practical experience in sport or health & wellbeing. RGU seem to be addressing the balance in this course and being (at time of writing) on week 6 now I can confirm that is the case!
Describe working at RGU in three words.
Innovative, Developmental, Challenging (in the right way)
Tell us something that has surprised you about working at RGU.
My previous experience has found a lot of academic focus on research as opposed to professional development of the individual. I feel that RGU is striking the right balance between them.
Describe living in North East of Scotland in three words.
I am a Glasgow boy born and bred and I’ve spent the last 10 years living in Stirling. Aberdeen is a fantastic city and has much more to offer due to its size and infrastructure in terms of things to do and places to see. Quite often you take a place you live for granted when things are on your doorstep, but my partner and I have a list of things we want to get through and places in the North we’d like to visit.
What are your favourite leisure/non-work activities and how well are they catered for in and around Aberdeen?
I love going to live events such as music and comedy. I’ve been surprised with some of the events on at Hazelhead Park and the level of artist they have attracted. Glasgow now has the second busiest venue in Europe and attracts a lot of mainstream artists, so it will be difficult to replicate that. This year I’ve saw artists including The Killers and Noel Gallagher and both also played the north so I’m sure I’ll get my fair share.
We’ve got tickets already for Kevin Bridges at the AECC and The Snuts came here in October. They’re a small up and coming Glasgow band I’d definitely recommend.
What is your favourite place to go out for a meal in the North East and why?
We haven’t had the chance to venture out much by Union Square so far but it is well catered. The team are visiting a Japanese restaurant on Wednesday which I’m excited by and will take my partner back to this weekend if it’s any good. We are big fans on Chaopayra (Thai) and Miller & Carter (steak) which both have branches in Aberdeen and I was given a voucher for Thai Cooking classes at Thaikhun which I’m looking forward to.
What would you say to anyone who is contemplating a move to RGU to persuade them it’s the right career move?
Just do it. You’ll be working with a progressive University that knows its strengths and plays to them. There’s development opportunities for yourself and a very varied student population. And as far as the City is concerned there’s the opportunity to get a cracking steak and go and see The Snuts on a Saturday night!