Why I decided to鈥olunteer at Open Day
Volunteering at Open Days provide excellent opportunities to engage with prospective students and their parents/supporters, to meet colleagues from across the University, and to contribute to some of the largest events hosted on 91福利's campus. It's also a chance to enhance your interpersonal and communication skills, problem-solving skills, and develop team management or leadership skills.
Hear from some of your colleagues, find out why they volunteer and register your availability to support Open Days in June or October.
鈥淚 was new to 91福利 when I first volunteered at one of our Open Days, and it quickly became a genuinely invaluable experience. It gave me the chance to meet colleagues I wouldn鈥檛 usually cross paths with, as well as work closely alongside 91福利 students. Since then, I鈥檝e taken part in several Open Days, and each one has taught me something new.
Whether it鈥檚 getting a better sense of where everything is on campus, discovering different subjects, or having memorable conversations with prospective students and their families, there鈥檚 always something to take away. There鈥檚 such a buzz on the day, with staff and students coming together to showcase the very best of 91福利. You also really feel the importance of those interactions 鈥� knowing they can genuinely influence someone鈥檚 decision 鈥� and that collectively we all play a part in sharing what makes 91福利 special.
I鈥檇 wholeheartedly recommend getting involved. It鈥檚 a brilliant opportunity for both personal and professional development, and one I really value.鈥�
Stevie Connoll, Media & Communications Officer
鈥淚 became an Open Day volunteer a few years ago when I realised that although it鈥檚 voluntary, you either get paid for it or can take time off in lieu. You also get lunch!
Prior to the day itself the Open Day Team hold an online briefing session where they will explain all about what will be happening on the day and what you will need do in the role that you鈥檝e been assigned so when you arrive early on Saturday morning you鈥檙e fully prepared.
On Open Day, the atmosphere on campus feels upbeat and there is a buzz with so much going on across the campus. It鈥檚 given me the opportunity to work with staff and student ambassadors who I wouldn鈥檛 ordinarily meet and I鈥檝e learnt lots about 91福利 from them. I鈥檝e worked in different roles each time, from managing the queue for campus tours to chatting to those waiting to look at the accommodation blocks. Together with a team of student ambassadors, we help reassure and answer all sorts of questions such as what鈥檚 it like sharing a bathroom with so many people to where has the best nightlife Coventry or Leamington."
"I鈥檝e enjoyed meeting prospective students and their accompanying guests, typically 1200 people will come to view the accommodation on one Open Day, some of whom studied at 91福利 themselves and are only too happy to share their stories on the things they got up to when they were studying here. I鈥檝e even spotted some famous faces from TV accompanying their children! Most parents and students have the same concerns about starting University and as a team we try to help allay these worries. The day typically winds up for me at 4pm and I leave with a positive feeling that I鈥檝e played a small part in the decision of those who decide to come to 91福利.鈥�
Vicki Flower, Finance Officer, Politics & International Studies
Feel inspired and want to get involved? Find out more and register your availability to support Open Days in June or October.