Charis: My Student Engagement placement with CESI

Charis is in her third year studying Business Management at Cardiff University. She’s currently undertaking her placement year as a Student Engagement Assistant with the Centre for Education Support and Innovation (CESI). She writes about her experience:

Before I started at CESI, I knew very little about the team but was keen to get some insight into working in higher education. I was interested in exploring what goes on behind the scenes of a university as it was something I’d never experienced as a student. I was also enthusiastic about this placement as Student Engagement impacts my academic life. Both myself and my brother are students at the University and having the ability to make a lasting positive impact was something I hoped to achieve. It’s interesting to see the volume of work that goes on behind the scenes as I was completely unaware of this as a student!

My day-to-day role involves supporting the Student Engagement Team, creating resources for our resource base, and managing the Student Voice Strand of the Student Champions.

My favourite part of my placement so far has been being a Project Lead for the Student Champions, along with Marianna (a member of CESI’s Digital Education team). This has been an ongoing project since I’ve started, and it has been really fulfilling to watch and help students learn and develop key life skills. I particularly enjoyed leading the National Student Survey promotion and allocating shifts, organising time-sheets and setting up promotion sessions.

Despite still being unsure about what kind of career path I would like to follow; this placement has shaped me both professionally and personally and I have developed a range of skills that I am sure will enhance the way I work in the future.

Want to find out more about the Centre for Education Support and Innovation? Visit our team page on the intranet.