April Walker - Assistant Operations Manager

Hi, I’m April and I’m the Assistant Operations Manager at The Boulevard in York, one of Student Roost’s two properties in the city. Outside of work, I’m a mum and like to spend as much time as possible with my friends and family in my free time.

I’ve lived in York for almost 16 years, originally hailing from a small market town in East Yorkshire called Beverley. One of my first jobs when I moved to York was as a Housekeeper at one of the colleges, but after a while the time came when I felt like I needed to experience a different workplace culture.

I didn’t want to change my career path or try a new role, I simply wanted to gain a different insight into my job through another company. Luckily, I spotted a Housekeeping role advertised at The Boulevard, which was then owned and operated by a different student accommodation provider. It was a very similar role to what I was already doing, but in a brand-new environment.

Unfortunately, back then I wondered if I’d made the right decision. The property was often without a manager and times I didn’t feel as supported in my role as I could be, or know where to turn to for help and advice.

In 2017, Student Roost acquired The Boulevard. Along with new processes, a company culture and values which put its team members and residents at the heart of its decisions, and endless available support, brought Harriet, the City Manager, and my new line manager. For me I found there was more of a support network, someone on site to turn to when you needed it the most, and the potential for me to develop. Harriet saw my potential when it came to working with residents. I was able to demonstrate this when a customer service role became available, and I’m now Assistant Operations Manager at The Boulevard.

There are never two working days that are the same! I work closely with my manager Harriet, and I know she is always there to support when I need her. My favourite part of my role is Health and Safety, so I like to focus on this the most each day.

One of the most important things is being able to fit in work around my daughter’s childcare, and at Student Roost I’ve always felt like I’m supported in this. I’m allowed to work flexibly when I need to, and it means I don’t need to make a compromise between working and looking after my daughter; I can do both.

I also love that nothing is forced upon you. Some people are happy to stay in one role, others want to progress and maybe join a different team, and that’s okay! The opportunities are there, so when one arises, listen to your gut and if you’re ready for an internal change, then it’s always worth a try.

To anyone thinking of applying for a role at Student Roost, do it, and don’t be afraid to be yourself! No one is judged at Student Roost, and our You, Do You ethos is instilled in us all.

Good luck!