Working in Student Experience

I have had the unique pleasure of working at the University of Southampton for just over a year now and can say honestly that I have not had a single morning when I did not want to come in. The organisation and my direct team have been hugely supportive while giving me independence in my role.

Starting on a temporary contract, I quickly began enjoying the variation of tasks provided by the academic cycle. The nature of the tasks involved allowed me to branch out and meet different kinds of people throughout the entire university which has made coming in to work a hugely enjoyable experience.

I am ever so thankful to the university for giving me the opportunity and would recommend it as a place to work.

My experience working at the University of Southampton has been invaluable to both my personal and career development. I have been able to utilize my existing expertise, whilst acquiring new skills in a supportive environment. I have also been able to take up a variety of opportunities, which have helped me to grow my knowledge and confidence. I currently work in a diverse team, who inspire me with their dedication to supporting students. Focused on a shared mission of improving the experiences of students in Higher Education, we work collaboratively to help create better outcomes for all. One of the greatest things about working at the university, is that I get to work on change-driven projects, such as the Awarding Gap Project, whilst maintaining a good work-life balance. As a result, I am able to make contributions in a way that is both flexible and impactful.

I began my career at the University of Southampton in 2009, joining as an Administrative Officer. My background had been in retail and hospitality so I did feel apprehensive about moving into the education sector. Still, I realised that I had many transferrable skills, such as planning and organisation, teamwork, and interpersonal qualities, which meant that I quickly found my feet and soon felt comfortable in the new working environment.

After two years, I successfully achieved my first promotion and then two years later another promotion followed. Earlier this year, I was promoted to my current role as Head of Taught Programme Administration. Looking back, it seems incredible that my former self would accomplish this, but through the support of colleagues, and by utilising the university’s personal development programmes, I have acquired the necessary skills and knowledge base.

As Work Experience Manager, I find it incredibly fulfilling to see the growth and development students achieve while applying their theoretical knowledge in a work-based setting. It’s important to me that colleagues feel supported and valued, and that they know they can come to me with any concerns or ideas they have. We have a strong sense of collaboration and belonging within the team. This productive and supportive environment is a wonderful place to work and develop. This is one of the reasons I’ve stayed for 9 years!

Moving from the Netherlands to Southampton, having not worked in Higher Education before, felt a bit daunting. But over the last four years, Southampton has really become my home away from home. The part I love most about working in SED is being able to collaborate and form connections with people all across the University. I like to get involved in the various larger-scale activities that SED organises – like Open Days and our Airport Meet & Greet service for international students – as you get the opportunity to meet colleagues across a wide array of teams.

Personal connections are very important for me, and if that is something you share, then you will definitely have the opportunity to pursue them while working within SED. The other great benefit is that the team has a good mix of experience levels – there are colleagues who are walking encyclopaedias, who will be able to give a historical blow-by-blow of what Southampton has been like over the last 10 years, and newer colleagues bringing experience from elsewhere.

Having come from a self-employed background and not having worked in academia prior to my role here at Southampton University, I was unsure whether the culture and working practices would be right for me. I am pleased to say that 4 years later I still very much enjoy every single day here in the Student Enterprise Team. Working alongside entrepreneurial students and supporting them with their own start-up journeys is incredibly rewarding.

Everyone wants that dream job, the one that makes you want to get up in the morning and gets you excited about the day ahead. To me, SED is just that. And there’s never a dull moment. My work with data and insight helps the team and the wider University better understand itself and how it can create further opportunities. And, I love helping at open days, meeting and greeting international students at the airport, being there for students at Confirmation and Clearing as they set their sights on their next journey.

But for me, the best part is the opportunity it gives me to be part of a team that is hardworking, resourceful, diverse, creative, and most importantly, passionate about the students looking to join the Southampton community.

What I want to say to someone applying to SED is that you will be challenged to achieve your best potential but that you will be supported by a most amazing team of people at every step of the way. So, come join us!

Working in SED at the University of Southampton has been a great experience for me. Currently I work with the Faculty of Medicine and I am super proud to play a small part in the success of this faculty which produces not only fantastic doctors, but also world-leading research and enterprise opportunities. Being part of the wider Student Recruitment Marketing & Events team means we are enabled and supercharged to deliver on our goals, whilst having a great time doing it.

To anyone thinking of applying to join us at Southampton, I’d say go for it! The people are just so lovely, so supportive and make it a great place to be. The work is varied and allows for a great balance of creativity, strategic vision and getting the job done! It’ll be one of the best decisions you’ll make.