10 lessons I have learned as an Interim Manager

Guest blogger, Tammy Goldfeld.

I used to have a permanent job.  In fact, I worked for the same university, albeit in different roles, for 23 consecutive years. Recently, however, my professional world turned upside down. I left a senior role due to voluntary redundancy and have since become a ‘Serial Interim’ worker; I am currently with my third employer within the short space of 18 months.

Furthermore, due to the pandemic, I have become a ‘Virtual Interim’, working almost entirely remotely from my home in Manchester for universities based in London and the South.

Surprisingly (to myself), I absolutely love my new professional nomadic existence. So far, each role has been brilliant – hugely challenging and interesting. I have had the privilege of working with many different colleagues and have learned so much from each team along the way.

I wanted to share with you what I have learned as an Interim, so that if you are tempted by this working pattern, then perhaps you may be inspired to take the plunge.  Equally, if what I describe fills you with dread, then hold on to your permanent job as tightly as you can!  Short-term contracts, with gaps in between, are not for everyone.

Ten lessons I have learned as an Interim

1. Having a good professional network helps. A lot. I really cannot stress this point enough. Colleagues in my network have been absolutely key to my success, as they have very kindly alerted me to all the Interim opportunities I have had so far, for which I am so grateful.
2. There are recruiters (head hunters) who specialise in Interim HE management roles. I have been approached by a few of them but so far have not landed a job through one. It is useful to connect with these recruiters on LinkedIn and remind them of your interests and availability because they will be aware of some Interim roles which will not be advertised.
3. Interim roles exist to address urgent, immediate needs. Often Interim posts need to be filled as quickly as possible. Therefore, there is little point in searching for an Interim role too far in advance of when you are available.
4. The length of Interim contracts can vary. So far, my shortest contract was for three months and my longest was originally for five months, but it was extended to ten months.
5. It is important to hit the ground running because time is of the essence. Before starting an Interim role, develop an induction programme with your future line manager or client, so that introductory meetings are all set up, you have a laptop and access to IT systems, etc. as soon as you are in post
6. Starting a new Interim role is exciting. Did you ever start a new job and feel as though you were experiencing a professional honeymoon where everyone was so friendly and welcoming? That is exactly what it has been like for me as an Interim. Over and over again.  
7. You can make a real difference as an Interim, even on a short-term basis. It has been extremely gratifying to be treated as an expert and to be able to bring in new ideas and an outsider’s perspective to an organisation.
8. Ending an Interim role is bittersweet. If you are anything like me, you will form attachments and friendships with colleagues, and therefore it can be sad to say goodbye when you leave. I try my best to keep in touch with as many former colleagues as I can.
9. There can be gaps in between Interim jobs. So far I have had a two-week gap and a six-week gap in between jobs.  It was nice to have a couple of breaks, but to be honest, I missed the routine and buzz of work. So if you considering working as an Interim, it is important to think about how to financially support yourself, and how best to occupy yourself in between jobs.
10. Finally, there are financial considerations to being an Interim. Arrangements for pension contributions, and expenses for travel and accommodation, for example, can vary between institutions.  So far, I have not worked on a self-employed basis, but I would imagine that some Interim workers choose to do so.

I hope to have given you a useful insight into my working life as an Interim and some lessons learned.  I discovered that being an Interim suits me well; I am motivated to deliver on projects and to deadlines, and I thrive on variety and change. If you too decide to become an Interim, then I wish you every success!

Tammy Goldfeld is currently Interim Team Leader and Strategic Project Manager for the Careers & Enterprise Service at Queen Mary University of London.