Thursday 19-11-2015 - 11:20

Jodie's Story - #StudentLeaders

 

How did you get involved in the Student Leaders Programme?

I initially got involved in the Student Leaders Programme when I received an email about the opportunity to enhance future employability and the chance to win recognition awards. I was in my third year of my degree, and was curious to what the programme could offer. At first I was nervous, as I had never set foot in the Students’ Association building before. However, I really enjoyed the first workshop and was keen to continue with the programme. After achieving my development award in third year, I then went on to complete my advanced level in fourth year. It really helped boost my CV and develop my communication and leadership skills, which was especially evident when I was considered for every job that I applied for in fourth year!

 

What workshops did you attend?

In my development level, I attended a workshop that was around developing team working skills and identifying what type of leadership skills I had. This was particularly useful, as I left the workshop with a greater understanding of what type of team worker I am and how to work with others who have different leadership skills from me. I also chose to attend a workshop that was delivered by a manager from Lloyds bank, as I felt that this would be really beneficial to me as a third year business student. In my advanced level, I attended a workshop that was based around improving communication, and a workshop around improving CVs and enhancing employment.

 

How did these workshops help you develop as a leader?

The workshops helped me develop as a leader because they made me more aware of how I work best in teams and how to communicate effectively and confidently with others. I also chose to attend workshops that were relevant to my degree, which meant that I developed a greater understanding of how to implement leadership styles in my industry for the future. Overall, the workshops made me more confident and taught me the best ways to compromise in groups. I feel that this is an important aspect of being a leader, as you can’t be a leader without others willing to follow you.

 

Since completing the Student Leaders Programme, what did you do and achieve because of it?

I achieved a huge amount because of the Student Leaders Programme. In 2014, I won the Allister Boyd award at the Big Ball. Because of this, I decided to become a member of the Allister Boyd Legacy Group, and we climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in aid of CLIC Sargent and raised over £70,000. In fourth year, I was given a radio show on Radio Caley to raise awareness of our cause, and I began getting involved in the Students’ Association for the first time. I went from being a student who would come to class and then go straight home, to making loads of new friends both within the Allister Boyd Legacy group and at Radio Caley. I was then nominated from a student to run in the student elections, and in 2015 was elected as Vice President. I would have never been involved in anything if I hadn’t taken part in the Student Leaders Programme, and it opened up so many doors for me.

 

What would you say to students who are new or are really busy in their final year?

Everyone who takes part in the development workshops are new to the Student Leaders Programme. I was so nervous before my first workshop, however after a couple of ice breakers and team activities, I realised that everyone felt the same way. Because I started the Student Leaders Programme in third year, it meant that I completed my advanced level in my final year. Although I wish I had been involved in the Students’ Association earlier, I feel that completing the Student Leaders Programme in fourth year was hugely beneficial to me because the communication and leadership skills I learnt were fresh for me to take into employment. No matter what year you are in, taking part in the programme will definitely be one of the best things you can do as a student. It doesn’t take much time, it looks great on your CV, and it could even offer opportunities that you didn’t even know were possible like it did for me.

 

Interested in joining the Student Leaders Programme? Sign up HERE.