March 5, 2025
Meet Sydney Business School UOW Administrative Officer, Pauline Oei
Can you share your journey working as an administration officer at the university and how your role has evolved over the years?
As I reflect on my time as an Administrative Officer at University of Wollongong, I’m filled with a sense of pride and gratitude for the journey that has unfolded. What started as a role focused on daily administrative tasks has evolved into a dynamic and multifaceted position, deeply intertwined with the success and growth of our institution. I started in 2007 at Sydney Business School’s first campus at the Amex building (opposite Sydney Hyde Park), as the main administrative staff at the front reception desk dealing with student enquiries and supporting academic staff. Over the years my role has evolved towards more of campus support operations and support the client service team.
What are the key responsibilities of your role, and how do they contribute to the overall functioning of the university?
As an administrative officer I play an important role in assisting the campus manager on day-to-day tasks to support a smooth campus operation, as well as specific projects including exams management, maintaining important records and documents and supporting student events coordination and its logistics. My behind-the-scenes efforts are essential in supporting the broader mission of the university.
Over the years, what have been some of the most significant challenges you have encountered, and how did you overcome them?
One of the most significant challenges I’ve faced over the years has been managing the complexities of student enrolment inquiries. With ever-changing policies, diverse student needs, and high volumes of queries, ensuring clear communication and efficient processing has been crucial. I’ve overcome these challenges by staying up to date with university policies, streamlining processes, and maintaining a student-focused approach. Building strong relationships with colleagues has also been key in creating a supportive and solution-driven environment.
How have university services and student support evolved during your tenure, and what improvements had the greatest impact?
As technology advanced and the needs of the university grew, my role expanded. I embraced new tools and systems that helped streamline operations, from digital filing systems to online scheduling platforms. These innovations didn’t just make the workflow more efficient—they transformed the way we interacted with students and faculty, allowing us to create more seamless and meaningful experiences for everyone involved.
Can you describe how you work with other teams or departments to ensure smooth operations and student support?
By fostering strong relationships and clear communication across departments, I can ensure that all teams are working toward the same goal of providing seamless operations and exceptional student support. It’s about working collaboratively and with the student’s best interests in mind at every step.
Reflecting on your time at the university, what has been the most rewarding aspect of your work, and what keeps you motivated?
I have always been motivated with Orientation programs as one of the highlights as we welcome new students, introduce them to our campus and help them to settle in. The most rewarding aspect of my work is that I am grateful for the support and camaraderie of my colleagues, and the satisfaction of doing my job well, knowing that it helps support the campus and the university as a whole.