'I thought it would be a great opportunity for me to make a difference in someone else’s life.’ Introducing CampusConnect’s new Digital Community Manager, Adele!
‘I thought it would be a great opportunity for me to make a difference in someone else’s life.’ Introducing CampusConnect’s new Digital Community Manager, Adele!
Name: Adele
Role: Digital Community Manager
Hometown: Gurteen, Ireland
Hope for 2022: Hope that we can get a bit more back to normal, with no more
lockdowns. I want to travel!
Tell me about you...
‘I studied Digital Marketing at Sligo Institution of Technology, Ireland. I enjoyed it as the small class sizes let me interact with others better, but I wanted a bit more creative freedom. That led me to do a placement for a digital marketing agency, where I got some really valuable experience. Then, Covid hit when I was working as a receptionist - which didn’t leave me with much to do.’
‘I started a business up with a friend in the summer, which is how I met Declan, the CampusConnect director. He explained the concept of CampusConnect, I thought it was interesting and the rest is history!’
Why CampusConnect?
‘If CampusConnect was around when I was starting college I think I would have taken a different path in life in relation to my career. I don’t regret studying what I did, otherwise I might not be where I am today, but I think CampusConnect would have given me the opportunity to explore different options. What was holding me back from exploring institutions further away was the fear of the unknown. If CampusConnect was around I think it would have put me at ease.’
‘When I heard about CampusConnect I thought it would be a great opportunity for me to make a difference in someone else’s life and give them a chance to explore an opportunity they may otherwise have dismissed.’
Importance of community in Higher Education
‘Community, I think, is at the heart of Higher Education. I know personally that if I wasn’t part of a strong community in my university days I wouldn’t have been as active both academically and socially. Having a helpful and supportive community behind you is essential in order for you to thrive and to want to succeed. CampusConnect provides this space.’
‘I’m really excited about working with our Ambassadors. I recently ran a workshop for the LJMU Ambassadors and it was great to feel like you were inspiring people and be inspired in return. Seeing people who are passionate brings a smile to my face! Our Ambassadors take pride in the role and we want to create a rewarding experience for them. I’ve started featuring them in my new monthly newsletter, which gives them an extra platform and shows our appreciation for them.’
‘Another thing I’m doing to help facilitate the community is personally welcoming students to the platform. It provides a more human element, and even if I can’t answer their questions I’m well placed to signpost them to different group chats or Ambassadors. If I notice someone asking questions about accommodation, I might connect them to a specific group chat or Ambassador with knowledge, for example.’
What are your goals within this role?
‘My goal is to build bigger! I’d love to see more people using the app and discussing the more day-to-day aspects of university life. I’m hoping I can also deliver some Ambassador workshops in person so I can get to know them.’
‘I want to help students to make long lasting friendships and put them at ease before starting University. I want to help them get excited about this new chapter in their lives! I’d like CampusConnect to not only be a source of information but also a hub of activity and enjoyment for students to interact with a whole new community.’