Meet the team: Kara Schmieder (Senior Administrator)

In another in our series about our team members, we had a chat to our administrator-extraordinaire, Kara Schmieder. ​

Could you give us a quick overview of your role at Enterprise Exchange? 

I support the Shaw Trust programme, taking care of new referrals.  I make contact with our new clients and their Support Managers to see how best Enterprise Exchange can support them in their self-employment project.  It is wonderful to be in daily contact with people who are exploring self-employment, sometimes for the first time, and to share details of the courses and one-to-one support we offer. 
 
What experience do you have which led you to set up/work with Enterprise Exchange? 

I have always loved working with people and being organised!  As an administrator for a small international volunteering charity and in other roles, such as teacher and support worker, I have had the privilege to work with individuals from all walks of life and with very varied backgrounds.    

What I particularly loved about these roles was providing personalised support and guidance to each individual:  welcoming people, answering enquiries by telephone and email, customising teaching and learning experiences to be relevant and interesting.  I am so lucky that my role here at Enterprise Exchange encompasses so many of these elements! 

I also have a lot of experience supporting individuals and teams with administrative tasks, such as record-keeping, researching, minute-taking, bookkeeping and communicating by phone and email with clients and staff.   I just love to support behind the scenes in these ways. 
 
Which aspect of your work do you enjoy most? 

The opportunity to speak with new referrals into our self-employment programme; it is so wonderful to hear people be inspired by the idea of joining one of courses or one-to-one support sessions!  I learn so much from my interactions with clients - every day I hear amazing stories about how people are meeting and overcoming challenges, and it is exciting to hear what motivated them to consider being self-employed or explore self-employment.  I feel it is a real privilege to work in the role I have at Enterprise Exchange. 
 
When you’re not supporting EE what do you enjoy doing? 

I love so many things!  Yoga, walking in the hills and along the coast, open fires, camping, reading, resting, visiting friends and family across the country and world, cooking and baking! 
 
Tea or coffee and how do you take it? 

Oooooh, difficult one as it depends on how I’m feeling at the time!  My absolute favourite, though?  Strong black tea with lots of soya milk! 
 
Thanks so much? How can people best contact you? 

​Thank you!  I’m best contacted by email: kara@enterpriseexchange.org.uk