Deborah Watson

Name: Deborah Watson

Employer: Gala Bingo

Area of work: Entertainment and leisure

University: University of Aberdeen

Subject: MA English with language and linguistics

As a student I worked at an exhibition and conference centre and really enjoyed customer service, so applying for my current position was a natural progression. I’d played bingo a couple of times but it had never occurred to me that I would make a career of it!

My job

I make sure that club operations are managed efficiently on a daily basis. This includes ensuring that we deliver good customer service and implement legislation (for instance on health and safety) when we need to. My other duties are supporting the general manager, getting involved in planning promotions, and resolving any queries from employees and customers.

On a typical day I’ll greet customers, plan and prepare for promotions, and make sure that we’re following the correct daily procedures. Bingo clubs are open from morning until night, so my hours vary from week to week. My job is a mixture of office-based work and hands-on work, when I assist departments, and help staff and customers.

Best and worst

I miss my family, as I live far away from them. But I love meeting people, both colleagues and customers, and I really enjoy the variety of my job. In one day I might be dealing with fruit machine problems, managing people, and making sure that we get the prize money right.