The Benefits of Helping to Organise Departmental Events, By Dr Adnan Levent & Dr Beatrice Hayes

Throughout the academic year, the Psychology Department hosts a variety of events organised by dedicated staff and volunteer students, such as “Wellbeing Day” in Term 1 (for more detail, see the event webpage here) and “To Academia and Beyond” in Term 2 (see the event webpage here). These events not only benefit the attendees but also provide valuable experience and opportunities for the student organisers.

There are two types of events you can get involved in; Co-created and Co-produced events.

• Co-created events, such as “To Academia and Beyond” involve working with staff members to identify a goal, devise a plan, and deliver the event. This gives you the opportunity to shape the program and contribute to the event’s direction.
• Co-produced events, such as “Wellbeing Day” have the goal set by staff before student volunteers get involved, but then encourage students to work on the plan and delivery of the event.

Benefits of Participation

• Boosting Employability: One of the most significant benefits of participating in these events is the enhancement of your employability. Through active participation, you gain hands-on experience in event organisation, project management, collaboration, and decision-making, which are all super valuable skills employers love. Plus, you’ll get a certificate of participation, which can be included in your CV, effectively showcasing your commitment to personal and professional development.
• Making an Impact: Since you understand your peers’ needs and preferences better, you can contribute to the development of initiatives that are more tailored to the specific requirements of the student community. This involvement can significantly impact your peers’ academic performance and overall well-being, which is pretty rewarding on its own.
• Promoting Inclusivity: Being involved in event organisation is also an opportunity to get your voice heard, fostering a more inclusive environment where everyone’s diverse experiences and backgrounds are recognised. This inclusiveness is key to making our academic community supportive and vibrant.
• Networking Opportunities: Through these events, you can make connections with your peers, building relationships and partnerships that can benefit you both personally and professionally. Additionally, you get the chance to interact with staff members, allowing you to establish rapport and learn from their experiences and knowledge. This dual opportunity for networking can boost your professional network and open doors to future opportunities.

Here is some feedback from past student organisers:

“Working alongside dedicated students and staff members to bring this initiative to life was incredibly empowering.”

“Being on the organising committee was a very rewarding experience. The skills I developed will be incredibly helpful in my future career.”

Volunteer Recruitment and Roles

Volunteer recruitment typically happens a couple of months prior to the events. Various roles are available, such as:

• Communication: Creating a media strategy and advertising the event to students across the department.
• Graphic Design: Designing flyers and posters to advertise the event on campus and online.
• Event Ambassador: Helping run the event on the day and assisting attendees with any queries.

Time Commitment

Many students fear that getting involved in these events will take too much of their time. But don’t stress! It won’t take up too much of your schedule. Typically, there are just a couple of group meetings where volunteer students and staff come together to finalise the event details and allocate responsibilities. Once you’re assigned a task, you’ll work independently, but don’t worry—staff members are there to support you every step of the way.

Conclusion

Participating in the organisation of departmental events provides a wealth of benefits. From enhancing your employability and gaining practical experience to making a meaningful impact on your peers and building a strong professional network. So, grab the opportunity to get involved, contribute to your community, and develop skills that will serve you well in your future career.