What co-and/or extra-curricular activities have you participated in during your time at Stirling?
During my time at Stirling, I have completed internships with The MacRobert Arts Centre, The Foundation for Young Australians, The Lane Agency, and the Scottish Institute for Enterprise. I have also been an active member of the Drama Society, where I have directed, produced, and acted in various plays.
Why did you choose to engage in these specific activities compared to others available?
As I watched my friends graduate, it became clear just how competitive the graduate jobs market actually is. Noticing this, I decided to undertake internships to gain experience and boost my CV. My decision to join the Drama Society was based on my prior interest in theatre. Joining was one of the best decisions I have made at university. Alongside meeting some fantastic people, I was also able to take on real responsibility within the society.
What key skills do you think you have developed as a result of engaging in these activities?
In addition to the technical skills and business etiquette gained from my internships, I have also been able to develop a firm understanding of exactly the type of environment I would like to work in after graduation. By experiencing various organisational cultures, I have learned which types inspire me the most. As with most other university societies, the Drama Society is completely student-led, and being a part of this has taught me a lot about leadership, project management, time management, and working as part of a team.
What advice would you give to 1st year students thinking about getting involved in activities out with their studies?
Joining a club or society is a brilliant way to meet people outside of your degree and can be especially useful for students staying at home who might otherwise miss out on meeting people. With regards to internships and work, I would say try to view these things not as a laborious duty, but rather as an opportunity to get a taster of an industry you would love to work in. It’s a great way to build up your job preference before you graduate and get a firm understanding of where you want to work. Lastly, I would recommend planning ahead. The time really does fly by (ask any fourth year), so make sure opportunities don’t pass you by. There’s a saying which goes, “the more you do, the more you can do”. Stirling has so much to offer, so I hope you take advantage of that and enjoy your time here.