Super Seven #14 Kerry May
In the fourteenth of our Super Seven Questions Series we profile our Project Manager, Kerry May. Kerry joined us in October this year and brings with her a wealth of experience in project and programme management. She’s now well on her way to also being an expert in QRNG and QKD systems!
1. Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I grew up in Reading and spent most of my twenties travelling and working overseas. After I returned, I ended up in London for a few years and then moved down to the South West to start a family. It’s such a lovely part of the country … not sure I can see myself leaving now, apart from for hot holidays!
2. What do you do in KETS?
I joined KETS in October of this year as the new Project Manager. It’s been a busy couple of months and I have learnt so much in that time. There have been a couple of occasions where I thought my head might actually explode with all the technical information … but everyone has been incredibly helpful and welcoming and has made the time to answer all my questions. KETS is a lovely company to work for and I’m really looking forward to meeting more of the team in person – soon hopefully!
3. What’s the most enjoyable part of your job?
Working together with others to get a project delivered and over the line! There are always highs and lows in project delivery, things that go really well and other things that don’t go as well. So, it’s about taking those, learning from them (and doing lots of problem solving) and trying to keep everything moving forwards towards the end goal.
4. What inspires you?
Within KETS, the guys in the Tech Team. I am in awe of what they are able to do!!
Outside of KETS anyone who has a dream or ambition and follows it. Super athletes and things like the Olympics make me incredibly emotional – seeing people realise their dreams. If you haven’t seen it, I would highly recommend watching the Eddie Izzard’s 29 Marathons in 29 days … I really do believe that if you have the ability and determination that you can achieve most things in life.
5. What advice would you give someone wanting to get into Project Management?
There are lots of routes into a career in Project Management – not just the traditional ones like graduate programmes and degree courses. I started as a Personal Assistant, moved into Office and Operational Management and asked to help out on a couple of projects at the company I was working for at the time. I then convinced the MD to sponsor me, completed a Prince2 PM qualification and got a job working as a Project Manager.
I think that if you are passionate about what you do or want to do and are organised (if you love a good list and ticking things off that’s a great start!) it will go a long way. Don’t be afraid to ask and volunteer to assist on Projects – put yourself forward and show them how you can add value. There are also some good courses out there that offer qualifications with work experience.
6. What do you do when you’re not at work?
I love to travel (when we’re allowed!) and explore so at the moment am spending as much time as possible outside walking or kayaking. There are so many beautiful places in this country and the lockdowns and restrictions this year have meant that I’ve found some stunning spots that I probably wouldn’t have done otherwise. When we’re allowed to travel again an RV trip around some of the national parks in the US is on the list!
I’m also a Mum of two teenagers so lots of film watching (Marvel usually), refereeing of homework or standing on the side-lines of a football pitch! Or trying to get them off the PlayStation 🙁
And when I’m not doing the above, I like to catch up with friends … preferably over a large glass of wine and food or dancing in a field somewhere watching live music! Have really missed that.
7. Where’s your favourite place?
It would have to be either on a beach or up a mountain … preferably somewhere hot!
Or at home with the Christmas decorations up – I can’t wait!!
To get in touch with Kerry, drop us an email at enquiry@kets-quantum.com