In UoE Digital we put users at the heart of everything we do. One way we’re doing this is through recruiting current UoE students to Digital, helping us to engage our students in everything we’re doing to improve their experience at university. Here is what one of our students, Rebecca Bates has to say about her experience in the role so far:
Why did you want to join UoE Digital?
Working as a student intern for Digital has been an incredibly exciting and diverse experience, with plenty of different tasks for me to sink my teeth into. I first saw the role advertised on Handshake and I decided to apply. I liked the fact that the role was the first of its kind in the Digital department, and this meant that I could have great creative freedom as an intern. Having had some prior experience in marketing, I was intrigued by a role that could be somewhat self-determined. I wanted more responsibility than my previous roles, and working with Digital has allowed me to have that.
What does your role involve?
My role has centred on three main aspects of Exeter’s ambitious 2030 Digital Strategy. These are: social media communications & research, helping develop upskilling sessions for students, and assisting the development & event planning for the new Exeter app. I help run the Instagram page that brings students all things digital. I plan content, design Instagram graphics, and more generally plan and track how best to boost our engagement so that we can reach as many people as possible. As an MSc Marketing student, I can use the skills I learnt during my course as we work to communicate to students, alumni, and employers how Exeter is using digital to improve their experience.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
The aspects of the role that I enjoy the most are definitely the ones that allow me to exercise my creativity and really get stuck in. It means that we can really take on board the student voice and work with them at every stage of development. In doing so we can create digital services for students that have been designed by students themselves. Take the new university app – UoE Digital run demos for colleagues and students so they can stay up to date with app development every step of the way and have the opportunity to ask questions and make suggestions. I also love designing & shooting content for social media.
Do you have any advice for any students wanting to work with UoE Digital?
I’d suggest leaning on any previous experience you already have and use this to think ahead about the role you would like. This experience could be from your course, any part-time jobs, or internships you might have done. Try to come up with some ideas that relate the role and are based on your own experience as a student. Talk these through during your application and interview to show the team your interest in using your personal experience to come up with exciting new ideas. If you are worried about not having enough experience, you could gain some in a subject you might think could be related to the role online. Be this writing your own blog or taking online courses in a digital related field to show your interest.
What have you learnt during your role?
Overall, my role has helped me develop my content creation and strategy skills, amongst many. Working within the team I have always felt supported and guided. Internships are so much about what you can gain, and the team have really allowed me to use my existing skills while working on new ones. I have found there is great scope for getting involved in different projects and developing my role as I go, which has been thoroughly enjoyable. UoE Digital is at a very exciting time and getting students involved with the process means that we can help make the University more connected than ever.
Get involved!
Are you a current Exeter student wanting to get involved with UoE Digital? Sign up here to register your interest in taking part in paid research opportunities with Digital.
– Written by Rebecca Bates