Aroundtown Magazine May June 2023 edition

FAMILY
Emma
The ongoing route of
progression
A big question for anyone
considering higher education is will it
help better your career prospects.
Emma Briggs is part of the first
cohort of Masters degree students
at UCR, currently studying an MA
in Education and Professional
Development which she completes
part-time in the evenings.
She has been a student at the
RNN Group since 2014, having
previously completed a foundation
degree in travel in tourism and
her Post-Graduate Certificate in
Education (PGCE), and has been
impressed with the opportunities to
study in her hometown.
“I was never bothered about
the uni lifestyle, I just wanted to
get my degree. It worked well
that I could live at home while
studying. UCR is great as you
don’t feel like you’re drowning
in a big ocean. They’re
not easy courses; you’re
encouraged to be independent
with reading and research
but I’ve always had such
great support from tutors and
library staff.”
After graduating from her
travel and tourism foundation
degree in 2016, Emma worked for
a major airline before Covid hit and
the travel industry was seriously
impacted. Having always liked the
idea of being a teacher, she returned
to education to do her PGCE at the
newly opened UCR.
This led to her applying for a role
at the RNN Group as a schools’
liaison and events officer, promoting
the colleges and university centre to
young people aged 16 to 18.
“I love it as there is still an
element of teaching, combined with
meeting prospective students at
events or in schools. I’ve been in
their position and always tell them
how lucky they are to now have
so many opportunities above and
beyond college or sixth form.”
Juwairiyyah
The ability to learn, no
matter your age
If you already have a career, have
started a family, or want a change
in direction, returning to study may
seem both daunting and exciting.
But education is for everyone
at UCR.
Juwairiyyah Nisar is an adult
learner who fits her studies around
her two young children and part-time
role as the university centre’s learner
recruitment and reception officer.
After taking up her role at UCR
last April, Juwairiyyah applied for a
distance learning course, one of the
many opportunities given to staff.
She has since completed three level
two courses in a short space of
time: principles in customer service;
business administration; and
information, guidance and advice.
“The adult courses are extremely
flexible and you study at a pace to
suit your lifestyle. I’m very pleased
and satisfied with how beneficial
they have been for my career. I have
developed my skills further to use in
my current role and have had such
positive feedback from students,
colleagues and tutors about being
caring and pleasant to speak to.
I’ve learnt it’s the little things that go
a long way, such as always saying
hello, asking people if they’re okay
and making them feel welcome.”
In her role at UCR, she
welcomes students, processes
UCAS applications, and gets
feedback from students about their
courses. Juwairiyyah, who hails
from Glasgow, is now looking at
other courses to further enhance her
learning, such as team leading, and
health and nutrition.
“I’ve worked in universities for
13 years but now I work somewhere
that I feel so comfortable, so at
home. It’s a small environment so
you can approach anyone at any
time; there’s no delay if you want to
speak about something or express
an opinion.”
OPEN EVENTS
Did you know Rotherham has its very own
University with a huge variety of degrees
available?
Come along and visit us at our next open event and see what’s on offer:
Wednesday 21st June, 3.00pm - 6.00pm
Venue
University Centre Rotherham,
Doncaster Gate, Rotherham, S65 1DA
01709 722806
ucr@rotherham.ac.uk
Rotherham College is offering T Levels from
September in the areas of Construction, Digital,
Education & Childcare and Health and Science.
Come along and visit us at our next open event to find out more:
Wednesday 21st June, 3.30pm - 6.30pm
Venue
Rotherham College, Eastwood Lane,
Rotherham. S65 1EG
01709 362111
info@rotherham.ac.uk
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