Get Stuck In!

Student blogger Will writes about making the most of university life.

When I arrived at Cardiff Met, I knew two things; I wanted to study sports science and I wanted to play football. Six years down the line I’ve been lucky enough to do both of those things and so much more than I could have ever imagined when I left home. For me, the University experience has been about my development in every area; academically, within sport, socially and on a personal level – and the Students’ Union has played a vital role in all of this.

The UMAX programme in particular is one of the key reasons why I’ve ended up in the role of Vice President today. UMAX offers four main services to students – a JobShop, a place to find volunteering opportunities, advice and support on a wide range of subjects, and The Cardiff Met Award, which is an initiative designed to boost students’ employability when they graduate.

I started attending the UMAX employability workshops in my effort to earn a Cardiff Met Award. Having the chance to attend these alongside studying for my Masters in Applied Sports Psychology really opened up my eyes to some of the shortfalls I had. Through the (free) workshops delivered by industry experts, I picked up lots of new skills including; the correct use of social media and networking tools, how to perform in interviews, and how to deliver presentations. The experience really boosted my confidence and my network of contacts – investing a bit of time in myself professionally was one of the most valuable things I’ve done since being at University, and I definitely feel more prepared to enter the world of work as a result.

My top tip to any new student arriving at Cardiff Met would be to get involved with a society or club, and try as many new experiences as possible. Ask any graduate, and they will all tell you the same thing – you’ll never get a second chance to take up all of the opportunities that are offered to you whilst you’re at university, so get stuck in!