Success story ~ Mandy Gower

Mandy Gower is looking to the future with Ascent

Mandy Gower is a Scheme Manager and has been employed
by RCT Homes since April 2007

Mandy studied at Luton University and has an Honours Degree in Community Management with a Major in Housing

On completing her Degree in 1996, Mandy worked with Mid Beds Housing Association where she gained a BTEC National Wardens Certificate, the National Certificate in Supported Housing through the Chartered Institute of Housing, and the CSHS National Wardens Certificate

Reasons for choosing Ascent

Mandy would like to move into a Housing Officer role, and felt that the ILM Level 2 in Leadership and Management would help her to improve her communication and people management skills.

Mandy’s experience of Ascent

Mandy thought the whole course enjoyable, the subject matter excellent, and found that the tutor was knowledgeable and interesting

The course made Mandy think a lot about how she comes across to people, and found the module on strengths and weaknesses particularly useful.

She felt it was especially interesting to find out about the strengths she didn’t realise she possessed. She also found the communication module useful and learnt a lot about the different ways to talk to people.

Mandy felt that she got a lot out of the course and that it was a great opportunity to network with other potential team leaders.

Ascent in the workplace

Mandy feels she now evaluates situations more before communicating, which enables her to be more effective in her job role.

Making the most of the Ascent opportunity

Since completing the course, Mandy has attended one of the members’ events, which she found inspirational

She is now looking forward to attending the additional Work/Life Balance and Equality and Diversity Modules.

Would Mandy recommend the Ascent course to others?

"Definitely!" Mandy really enjoyed all aspects of the course and would highly recommend it to other women

Mandy said:

‘Doing the Level 2 Award in Leadership and Management gave me the confidence to apply for an internal secondment, and, although not successful, I was able to use information and knowledge gained on the course to sell myself.

I also now feel more confident to apply for a Housing Officer vacancy and to impart my housing knowledge to other people by being a distance learning trainer.’