posted by Su Spink, PT PCS, Brechin High School

RGU Work Placements – by Sarah Smith, Brechin High School

Following on from a successful week of work placements in May 2015, RGU was delighted to welcome ten more work experience pupils to the university in November. This group consisted of seven S4 pupils from Torry Academy and three pupils from Brechin High. These pupils carried out their placements across a range of the university departments including the Student Union, Communications Department, RGU Sport, DELTA, Academic Affairs and The Research and Enterprise Department.

Due to her interest in teaching, Sarah Smith, a 5th year pupil at Brechin High, chose to carry out her placement with the Wider Access Team. Sarah was involved in a number of projects within the team and carried out a great deal of research for this article. Sarah also supported the team to deliver a one day Engineering workshop to S2 pupils from Northfield Academy.

“I have enjoyed my experience at RGU. I enjoyed working with the team and I feel this placement has let me experience the opportunities that a university can offer.”
As part of her work placement Sarah interviewed pupils carrying out their work placements at RGU and wrote the following article about their experiences.

Javed and Kamilla, from Torry Academy worked together at RGU Sport as both are interested in a career within the field when they leave school. Both, Javed and Kamilla had heard of RGU’s sports facilities and that the university itself has a good reputation.

During their placement, they worked at reception. While doing this they booked classes, welcomed customers and took tickets. They also took part in activities like rock climbing, which was their favourite part of the placement. Kamilla said “I wasn’t sure about being a sports coach but after this placement I’m sure that’s what I want to be.”

Because of Javed’s placement at RGU, he wants to pursue a career in sports coaching. Kamilla would also like to become a student at RGU after she has left school. “The people here are really nice and I enjoyed working with the team.” Kamilla has thoroughly enjoyed her time at RGU because of the support from the staff she was working with.

Nadia, from Brechin High, carried out her work placement at RGU’S Student Union. During her placement, Nadia promoted ‘Go Green’ by posting events on their Facebook page. She also designed badges for the ‘Go Green’ team. Nadia made a Christmas sustainable quiz which she really enjoyed. Nadia said that her placement was useful as she learnt some things about politics which is what she wants to pursue her career in. “I would recommend this placement to others because the staff and students are very welcoming and polite.” Nadia feels that her time here has been enjoyable and other students should try it out too.