Careers

Amy’s Story

What motivates you to get up in the morning?

Food usually! I also like doing gym classes in the morning because it helps my brain focus during the day.

What is your favourite thing about working for Aurora?

I like how every Client is different and I never feel like I am doing the same thing over and over. Sometimes we are doing environmental radiological surveys, sometimes a client visit, sometimes training, sometimes dose assessments. The work has such a good variety that it doesn’t get boring.

What has been the highlight of your time at Aurora?

I love that I get to go to Clients that are developing new technology or conducting cutting edge research and I get to learn about it and ask questions! Another huge highlight was being faced with around 30 adorable beagle puppies at a veterinary client and NOT being allowed to pet them!

What has been your biggest challenge at work so far?

As a Trainee I am trying to learn as much as possible, and I would say I’m a highly driven individual. Having a Line Manager who supports my development as well as being honest if I’m putting too much pressure on myself helps immensely. I always feel a lot better after speaking to him as he helps me put it all in perspective. That way I stay grounded while still feeling like I’m progressing.

What would your advice be to anyone starting their career at Aurora?

Always ask for feedback on your work. When you do receive feedback on reports, risk assessments or any advice you are going to give to a Client, make sure you book the time in to properly go through the feedback and if you are not sure about it, ask the person who provided the feedback to talk it through with you.

Tell us one thing about yourself your colleagues don’t know!

I have a mild obsession with ‘platinuming’ PS5 games (this is where the game sets certain trophies for achieving things in the game and once you have them all you get a platinum trophy). As a result, I have a notebook dedicated to the games I play which helps me achieve these trophies in the most efficient way. My proudest gaming achievements include platinuming Bloodborne and Demon souls (it took forever).

Joel’s Story

Why radiation protection?

Initially I completely fell into it by accident, but it gives me the opportunity to travel around the country and see lots of different types of Clients and meet some fantastic people. Radiation protection also has a fascinating history which always pops up when dealing with historic contamination.

What initially attracted you to Aurora?

Aurora sponsored my Ph.D. in Radiochemistry, so I already knew it was a forward-thinking business. The people I met at Aurora during my Ph.D. were the main reason I wanted to work there. Also, working for a small company means you are not just a number; everyone knows each other well and we collectively are a strong Team.

What motivates you to get up in the morning?

I enjoy the work life balance that I get at Aurora. I’m always an active person so sleeping in late in the morning has never been my thing (not since University anyway!).

How has the company changed since you joined?

Hugely! R&D at Aurora is a big thing now; I have personally been involved in developing Aurora’s AuroraRadMap (ARM) system for carrying out radiation surveys, and designing, filming and producing Aurora’s On-Demand Training courses.

What has been the highlight of your Aurora career so far?

Difficult to pinpoint a particular highlight, but there was certainly a moment when I felt my confidence in providing technical advice and delivering training increased substantially. I then felt like an integral part of the business and its future. It was the encouragement and support of the Team around me that helped me reach this stage and I find it incredibly reassuring that I have so much experience to draw upon from then Team.

What is the one thing you think Aurora does better than others?

Looking after people first, whether that be its Clients or employees.

Jon’s Story

What motivates you to get up in the morning?

My dog is always eager for a walk or run first thing in the morning!

What is your favourite thing about working for Aurora?

I like the range of different projects and clients, one day I’m working with something as straightforward as an x-ray device and the next I’m tackling the challenges of a proton accelerator.

What has been some of your biggest challenge at work so far?

I was involved in the clean-up of properties after a Polonium-210 poisoning event in London. It was fascinating and disturbing at the same time.

I was also fortunate to be involved in providing RPA support to a neutron facility in Oxfordshire. It attracted scientists from all over the world and there was a huge team that keeps it operating. I had to learn a lot quickly but the scientists and engineers were very helpful and we did some great work together.

What would your advice be to anyone starting their career at Aurora?

Take every opportunity to get involved in work out of your comfort zone.

Tell us one thing about yourself your colleagues don’t know!

There really isn’t much we don’t know about each other. Paul Abbott the writer of ‘Cracker’, ‘Shameless’ and ‘Coronation Street’ used to cut my hair while he was still writing photo strip stories for Jackie and other teen magazines.

Lyn’s Story

What motivates you to get up in the morning?

I like to have a purpose in life, so work, family and friends are all things that make me want to get up in the morning.

What is your favourite thing about working for Aurora?

Aurora has a great team of people to work with. We all work together effectively and have the same beliefs of doing the best work we can for our Clients.

What has been the highlight of your time at Aurora?

The highlight of my time at Aurora is taking my role and making it bigger. Aurora has given me to opportunity to develop myself and grow within the company and become an integral part of the business. I don’t have a role that covers practical radiation protection consultancy, but that never stopped Aurora driving my development and encouraging me every step of the way.

What has been your biggest challenge at work so far?

As the Company grows you have to grow with it which throws out all sorts of challenges with more responsibilities. However, what’s been nice for me on a personal level is that we’ve all grown together and my opinion matters.

What would your advice be to anyone starting their career at Aurora?

Aurora puts its Clients and people first. When starting a career with us we will ensure that you have all the advice and training you require, so ask as many questions as you need to take your job forward.

Tell us one thing about yourself your colleagues don’t know!

I have flown in a microlight across the Namibian Desert.