Eleanor Eckersley
Name: Eleanor Eckersley
Course: Social Anthropology
Year of Study: 3
Graduation Year: 2025
What work experience did you do?
Worked as the School Rep for the School of Social Science at the Students’ Union. This is a part time role alongside my studies for the year.
What was it that inspired you to look for work experience?
Gaining more relevant experience in a more professional/administrative role.
Why did you choose to do work experience in this area?
Despite not necessarily wanting to work in the Higher Education sector long term (or at least not when I first took up the role), I knew the role would provide a lot of benefits in terms of working on new projects, especially the representation aspect of the role and actively being a student voice for many people.
Give a brief snapshot of your role:
- Represent students on key committees within the school and faculty
- Identify key issues experienced by students and create solution to improve the student experience
- Plan events to create a sense of belonging for Academic Reps in the school
How did the Bursary award support you in gaining experience?
The role required me to travel into uni for meetings and events on days I wouldn’t otherwise be in and (when a train ticket costs as much as one hour’s pay!) the Work Experience Bursary helped me take up this work by paying for my train tickets.
What were the most enjoyable aspects of your role?
Having the freedom to explore many key issues experienced by students and being in a position of power to hold the school accountable for this, pushing for change to best represent the interest of students.
What were the challenges?
The fact that the role is part time I felt I only got into the flow of things once I was half way through, but it is also nice to be fully supported by the SU alongside my studies during busy periods.
Did you have any worries or concerns before your work experience and if so how were they dealt with and overcome?
My main concern was whether I was going to be able to represent the best interests of all students in the school, but this is something that I have actually been able to look at improving – having representation from students across all backgrounds to have a role in decision making as well as improving communication between myself and students so they are aware of the main conversation and can provide feedback.
What specific or transferable skills did you develop through the work experience?
Communication, public speaking, project management, advocacy, inclusion.
Did the work experience give you any insights and have these influenced your career pathway?
I realised I have a passion for amplifying the voices of others and working on advocacy of issues. This is something I now have skills within and want to continue this in my career path.
Do you have any words of wisdom for future students looking to gain work experience?
Make sure to keep an open mind about opportunities even if you feel they don’t directly relate to your overall career goals. They will still help you build up your skills and experience and you might learn what kind of environments you work better in!
