2015 here we come!

In thinking over the last academic year, I find my mind going WWW (what went well) and EBI (even better if). Looking at the opportunities I've had and the ones that I've missed and would like to utilise in this new year. I'm also looking over my contacts built and who I may want to stay in contact with or need to "impress" in my last year before graduation.

Right from the beginning of my degree my lecturer's poignant words rang in my ear "Your career starts from today". And you've probably noticed the urgency in all my blog posts. :) Life is so short and we only get one chance to experience it to the full.

Particularly in our CAS Conference Day a couple of weeks ago (see previous article) , I've noted the opportunities relevent to Health and Social Science students. The Access Partnership Associates, the Children's Centre Volunteer Programme and now it's sister Family Engagement Officer Volunteers. We have the Blog Internships. The Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) teams!

It's PAL that I am particularly interested in being a part of this year. It looks like a great way to develop skills in working with individuals and small groups, and give confidence in related work. I'll try to keep you posted on what happens there!

StEPs

UoB came up with something new last year: Student Experience Projects (StEPs). An opportunity for students to bid for funding from the university to put toward university student led projects. I went along to one this week as I was presenting an idea (I proudly came in the runnings, cheers!) and found it to be quite exciting and nervewrecking at the same time. I've NEVER volunteered to do a presentation, but somehow got intertwined in this one, which had its perks. As a professional in human services you have to develop some kind of presenting and people skills, so I was glad to be pushed out of my comfort zone, and although I fumbled and threw away my disorganised flash cards halfway through, I was glad to have done it and I know I will get better next time.

There were four other bidders, each with a unique suggestion, but I have to say that each one of us really needed to do our homework better. I realised that as students, I haven't met many that imagine they can step out and do something original in the way of projects and enterprises (unless already on a business degree). We get this idea that we are learning theory and academia to find our place in the employment world...but what if that is not for us? What if we have something bigger and better and new inside of us to develop? Scary no?

As I said we all needed to do more homework in preparation for the Dragon's Den type event last Tuesday, as such I would recommend the B-Innovate Programme (a european course run right here in our UoB) or Prince's Trust Enterprise Programmes. Any avenue to teach you about business plans, projected cash flows, budgeting and logistics. Perhaps in Applied Social Sciences or my own Child and Adolescent Studies, opening your own project is not what you had in mind, but we don't know what the future holds and at best it is good to look behind the scenes what occurs in welfare economics and national budgeting even in a small way.

The Working Student

When I first thought about going to uni I remember thinking to myself, It will be so great not to have a job! To be paid to study! What a luxury! Oh how life has taught me otherwise.

To be fair at least I do acknowledge that it was more serendipity than intentional for me to work my way through university. In working at a school before the summer holidays, I was given the opportunity to take on the job and part time to suit my studies. It hadn't been drilled into me yet how having a job role or work experience in a similar field to my course was beneficial.

Now - in 2nd year - it's all I hear! Work experience. Add to your CV. Experiment in job roles. Learn first hand about job roles. I hear this every day as well as through my emails, how valuable it is to have something to show for your years in university. They say that 2nd year is the best year because you've had a chance to get into your studies and have some ideas of what you're interested in.

And I agree completely. In working in a school I have seen firsthand what roles others play in schools, the social workers, teachers, SEN Coordinators, Language Support, to Counsellors to name just a few. All people I am working alongside and talking to and getting information from, some of them have even helped me in my assignments related to their job roles or just with advice. Great stuff. I have also mentally added ticks and question marks to the roles that I have found myself connecting with. Of course this is not the same as work experience or having those roles, but I feel competent should someone in an interview ask me what I know to expect of a role, PLUS (and a big plus) I know a little more about what I am interested in and would like to pursue.

Another advantage to working while studying, even if a minor role like mine, I feel that because my employers know I am studying in relation to my work, that I am serious about my career, and I believe that is the main reason why they gave me the job. After 9 months I have already been given new responsibilities that stretch my learning and capabilities (in a good way), I also have the prospect of a decent promotion in my role - something I am preparing for.

And yes, as they say, it is all something to go on my CV. The learning curves, the people-skills, and personal time management (who cannot respect someone who learns on the job and in a university in the same week?). Not to mention the fact that I actually manage to put something in my purse at the end of the month and am not one of those poor, penniless students - poor things.

However, having a decent job and studying at the same time usually results in an extra pile of this by the weekend …

PS:

I have also taken up the paperwork towards the EDGE Award (something I wish they did down at the Job Centre!), and it is teaching me about reflective working, applications and job research, plus interview skills when applying to the job you're dreaming of. I will have to keep you posted on this as I am right now working on it, as I know it is the same work I will need to submit for one of my unit's assignments. But pop over to the Careers and Employment Centre if you're interested.

Happy New Year!

In tradition of a New Year countdown, in order of awesomeness are 13 firsts from 2013. You’ll probably have a few questions that I will expand on these in the coming year.

Number 13: Finished academic year of university, something I doubted I could ever do – many thanks to my lecturers and partner for believing in me.

12: Wrote my first essay plan that I then wrote from in class.

11. Wrote my first 2,000-word report.

10: And my first 2,500 word essay.

9: Took part in my first mock case conference in the human services – terrifying but liberating.

8: Attended my first Portfolio Executive Committee (PEC) Meeting as Course Representative for my year group (more on this coming soon).

7: My first research project from secondary research - the research was already done and I applied my own research questions and reported on the findings. Lots of fun!

6: Took part in my first charity event with my society, such a good feeling of spending my time well and for others.

5: Learnt some of my first Mandarin words and phrases – “chigga chigga!”

4: Graduated from the University’s B-Innovate 12 week Business Course.

3: Organised my first social event, thanks to the inspiration of my course society.

2: Although not university orientated, my partner and I founded our own business in July and it has been growing since. This learning curve has boosted my confidence and flexibility in so many ways.

1: Visited Beijing, China, on the Student Exchange Summer Program. Definitely a coolio!

Happy New Year! – Here is to you following your dreams wherever they lead and living and learning to the full in the 365 days to come! x