Getting involved in events at the University has opened opportunities for me

Jasmine Al-Sheikh, first year Business and Marketing student at the Business School shares her experiences on the value of extra-curricular activities.

Attending University is an exciting time, full of opportunities to learn and grow as a person. One of the most important aspects of University life for me has been the chance to get involved in extracurricular activities. By participating in events, gaining work experience, and meeting new people, I've gained so much in my first year at the Business School.

Firstly, I want to start by saying how much I have loved my time at the Business School so far. Having the opportunities to take part in events, work experience as well as meeting amazing people along the way, has played a huge part in my student experience. As I reflect, I will share the benefits of getting involved in activities during university, and why I believe it is a crucial part of making the most of your time as a student. So, if you are looking for a reason to step out of your comfort zone and explore new opportunities, keep reading.

Networking opportunities 

Now if you are like me, the thought of socialising in large groups, never mind attending events, would always fill me with dread. It was only until I took the leap that I realised attending events can be a game-changer for both my professional and personal development. Taking the first step is often the hardest, but the truth is, you’ll never feel completely ready until you take that first step. By attending these events, it allowed me to build new connections, gain new skills, explore different career paths as well as gain new perspectives. For example, as a female student interested in pursuing a career in business, the WLV Women in Business event was an exciting opportunity. This event allowed me to network with inspiring female leaders and gain valuable insights into the industry. It was empowering to be in a room full of strong, successful, and supportive women, and hearing how they managed to achieve their goals despite setbacks. So, the next time you hear about an event on campus, make sure to consider attending- you never know who you might meet, and these connections can lead to new opportunities in the future.

Marketing experience 

As someone that craves hands-on experience to truly understand and master a subject, having the opportunity to manage the Business School’s social media platforms has allowed me to apply the theory into practice. Through this experience, I was able to develop my copywriting and content creation skills. Working alongside the programme leader of the Business and Marketing Management course, Hajrija Dergic, has been a huge influence on this learning experience for me. From day one, she has been incredibly supportive and has been always willing to go the extra mile to help me understand concepts, and apply them into practice. She has been an invaluable support to me throughout my learning journey. 

Academic opportunities 

Within the profession of digital marketing, staying up-to-date on the latest developments in this ever-changing landscape is critical to maintaining a competitive edge. Attending the marketing bootcamp sessions has given me the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals who are experts in the field. These industry experts shared their insights and provided me with real-world examples that we could apply to our work. By learning from those who are already successful in the industry, I gained a deeper understanding of what it takes to succeed in the fast-paced world of digital marketing. Also, having the opportunity to learn from lecturers with their experience and deep knowledge of the industry has offered me invaluable insights and advice to help me take my marketing efforts to the next level. 

Overall, my first year at the University of Wolverhampton has been a great experience. With the University’s unwavering support and the incredible opportunities that lie ahead, I am excited to continue my journey and see where this experience takes me.  

So, don't be afraid to attend events, network, take on work experience opportunities, and get involved in academic activities - you never know where they might take you!