9 minute read
Student Pioneers
STUDY ABROAD
DISNEY - THE HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH
While we obviously want you to have a great time studying with us, we also want to make sure you’re prepared for life after university. This is why we’re committed to providing you with real world experience where you can put what you’re learning into practice.
As well as being a great addition to your CV, it can also offer some fantastic experiences. We caught up with Events and Festivals Management student, Olivia, to find out more about her placement at Disneyworld, Florida.
“When I initially started studying Events and Festivals Management one of the introductory lectures to the course mentioned we were able to take a Study Abroad placement . I was intrigued by the thought of adding an extra year and gaining this experience that would also add an extra spark to my CV . I went up to Chester Exton Park site to attend lectures which would prepare me for my Study Abroad year . The trips to Chester also gave me the feeling of being part of something bigger . I realised that Shrewsbury was connected to all of these other sources .
Being in a new country was a very exciting but daunting time in the beginning . However, soon after my introduction into Disney, I was able to make friends through the activities Disney put on, as well as having great roommates and staff that really became a second family . During the placement I learned a lot about hospitality management, not just in America but also from my peers which I met while on the program from countries like Germany, Mexico, and Japan . I learned more about how hospitality is given and how to interact with guests, which ultimately changed how I delivered my own customer service .
With the fact that I was going to be in America for such a long time, I was hoping to get a lot of travelling done and really immerse myself into the American culture . Activities like driving to the beach to watch the sunrise with roommates or eating IHOP after a night out . This Study Abroad opportunity gave me the chance to visit different states like Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina and really get to know the rest of Florida like the great beaches and getting to tour the Coca-Cola factory in Georgia .
I learnt so much about myself and my chosen industry and got to see strategies which I was used to learning about in lectures in real-life scenarios, which reinforced my learning experience by knowing what I am learning in lectures can be adapted to the real industry . Additionally, the long-time friendships I made and the adventures I had while on my programme will clearly be a standout experience for me and a positive addition to my University journey . Ultimately, it helps in your growth, not just as a person, but someone looking to go into the industry after you finish your course . It’s a big step in the right direction that I’m sure after undertaking it, you won’t regret, as I know I sure haven’t . ”
RAISING THE CURTAIN ON WORK BASED LEARNING
At University Centre Shrewsbury you benefit from a range of fantastic practical opportunities to gain real world experience. One example of this is the Work Based Learning module offered on many of our courses. Alicia shares her experiences from working at Storyhouse.
During the second year of your course you’ll take part in a Work Based Learning module . This module gives you the chance to try a job you’ve always wanted to try and to gain experience and skills to put on your CV . Events and Festivals Management student Alicia gives top tips for taking part in the Work Based Learning module and shares her experiences from working at Storyhouse – Chester’s multi award winning cultural centre, featuring a theatre, cinema and library .
“On my first day at Storyhouse I packed my laptop and my lunch, and also made myself look like a working human and not a nervous, stressed human who wanted to cry like a child . I arrived at 8:45am where I received a task list that I could start in the bar area . I helped marketing, working with volunteers and front of house to help set up the press night and to greet guests . I also helped to set up the same venue for a wedding reception, and during WayWord Festival week I helped the volunteers with the events, checking tickets, working with tech, and assisting the performers .
I worked on my own tasks to help Storyhouse with their future projects and I assisted in different departments as much as possible to gain as much experience as I could, such as; marketing, events coordinators, volunteers . I also assisted many other departments by inputting all the upcoming events into the venue booking system .
I had to be on my toes working in such a huge building with so many people, but also willing to learn and develop my skills . I met some amazing people with amazing ideas, who came from different backgrounds and had a variety of work experience . ” A few things I learnt while at Storyhouse that others may use in their placement:
Find out what others wear before you turn up (I walked in dressed smart while half of the building was wearing trainers)
Boots meal deals are better than most (£4 ish)
Do not get into gossiping
Eat your three meals (or at least snack). I didn’t eat as much as I normally would on my first few days and I was ridiculously tired. I quickly learned that I was so tired because I was not eating enough
Being flexible with where you work will make you much more appreciated.
MEET THE STUDENTS’ UNION
You can get even more out of your University experience through Shrewsbury Students’ Union (SSU). SSU is part of the wider Chester Students’ Union (CSU) - an independent organisation dedicated to improving the student experience for all University of Chester and University Centre Shrewsbury students. The Students’ Union offers a wide range of services: free, impartial and confidential advice, academic representation through Student Experience Reps and Student Council, facilitating student groups in the form of student-led societies and year round events and volunteering opportunities for all.
MEET GABBY ABBAS – SHREWSBURY SU VP
How are you finding your time as VP Shrewsbury?
“I am loving my time as VP and I am loving the different moving parts of my job . Meeting students, talking to different departments at the University, and being able to work on such great causes such as Black History Month and LGBTQ+ History Month, as well as my ‘Proud to Be’ campaign have been really rewarding . It’s my favourite parts of the job!”
How can students get involved with Shrewsbury’s Students’ Union?
“Students can get involved with our SU by either joining or starting a society, as our societies are supported by the SU and will introduce them to new students, becoming a SER and attending student council and department rep meetings with the SU to make changes on courses around UCS, coming to our events and interacting with our staff, or simply messaging us on our social media pages or emails and asking . We’re always happy to help and always looking for students to get more involved!”
How are the SU supporting students this year?
“We are supporting our students through societies and the different, diverse campaigns we are running this year . As a VP, I am constantly seeking student input on activities or events that we could run that would reflect what they want to do in their time at university and will make them feel comfortable and supported here . Some of the campaigns include diversity events such as LGBTQ+ History Month, creating an International Student Guide, and so much more . ”
What plans do you have for Shrewsbury’s Students’ Union for the next year?
“My plans for the SU at UCS include running different, fun, diverse events and awareness days that focus not only on the educational aspects, but the celebration of different cultures and backgrounds . My colleague, Beth (our Shrewsbury Student Engagement Coordinator), and I have also planned just fun events for students that will get them more engaged with their SU, their University, their town, and each other . ”
GRADUATE STORY CHRISTIAN HEENAN
International Health and Exercise Science Graduate Christian Heenan went from moving to a new country with little prior scientific knowledge to obtaining a firstclass honours degree and his dream job as a Health & Wellbeing Physiologist at Nuffield Health Medical Centre in Canary Wharf.
“After my eldest brother passed away from cancer, I was extremely determined to work in the health industry, preferably rehabilitating patients with chronic disease . I came across Health & Exercise Science at UCS through clearing, the course contents covered everything I wanted to learn and more! On top of that, small classes meant that I could easily seek help from professors who were all well renowned in their fields . I believed the extra tuition in small groups was the key to my success . The support from the staff was second to none! I went from not knowing the first thing about science and physiology (my school/college did not allow me to take science at GCSE or A level) to pursuing a heavily science-based degree! There were a lot of gaps in my learning compared to all the other students, however my lecturers believed in me and helped me every step of the way to achieving first-class honours .
After a vigorous recruitment process I’ve been offered my dream job at Nuffield Health Medical Centre in Canary Wharf as a Health & Wellbeing Physiologist! This will require me to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team to help patients achieve their health and wellness goals through exercise, nutrition, behaviour change, stress management and sleep . I am looking forward to my new job and am excited about pursuing the career path of a clinical physiologist . ”
