When we last spoke to Jordan, we found out all about his decision to study Applied Linguistics at University College Cork. This time, we’re exploring the world of part-time jobs and gaining work experience alongside studying. Over to Jordan to tell us more about his many additional roles at UCC…

By Lauren Valentine

Vice-PRO of the Chinese Society… 

“As Vice-PRO of the Chinese Society, my job was to assist the Public Relations Officer with their role of promoting the Chinese Society and its various events. As part of my role, I was tasked with running the social media accounts of the Chinese Society as well as creating promotional material and posters for upcoming events. I would also help set up the Chinese Society events throughout the year which included Chinese tea events, playing traditional Chinese games, writing Christmas wishes and more. 

Joining a society at UCC is always a great way to immerse yourself in university life and make new friends, and that’s why I always encourage incoming students on CampusConnect to get involved in clubs and societies, it opens so many doors.”

Intern tutor at UCC Skills Centre…

“When I worked as an intern tutor at UCC Skills Centre, my main purpose was to assist the senior tutors who worked there, many of whom were PhD students. As I was the least experienced member of the Skills Centre team, I was mentored by some of the senior tutors and I was given plenty of advice in order to become more familiar with the intricacies of delivering classes to undergraduate students. 

My best memory as an intern tutor was probably the time I was asked to assist undergraduate Chinese students with their oral English skills and help build their confidence. The Skills Centre had previously never offered a class focusing on oral English skills before, so I think this demonstrates that they are always open to delivering new types of classes tailored to students’ needs. If students are having any difficulties with a particular aspect of academic writing or study skills, the Skills Centre offers plenty of classes that can help. More people should be aware of this service on campus!” 

UCC CampusConnect ambassador…

“Very simply, I first found out about CampusConnect from an email I received asking for Student Ambassadors to join the platform. I didn't need to think twice before signing up as I felt that the prospect of being a Student Ambassador aligned with my own passion of helping others. I also had experience conducting research on international students and I was familiar with the types of difficulties they can possibly experience when moving to Ireland. I really felt as though I could contribute to the CampusConnect platform and perhaps make incoming students feel more at ease, this was always my main goal. 

In regard to helping a student on CampusConnect, there is not one singular instance that sticks out because I often receive private messages from students and I pride myself on putting my time and effort into every query. I know that multiple students probably have the exact same questions and concerns, so if I post an answer in a group on CampusConnect, I know it has the potential to help many people. 

Some queries are more in-depth though. I remember during the summer, an incoming student was particularly interested in potential internship opportunities at UCC that would be relevant to her master's degree in marketing. Considering I worked as an intern at UCC before and had some familiarity with this process, I decided to email some relevant department people at UCC on her behalf and enquired if they offered intern marketing roles to students. After a week of gathering information, I provided the incoming student with a list of contacts that she could email in order to apply for a relevant intern role at UCC in the future.”

And before we let you go, any advice for students coming to study Applied Linguistics? 

“My main piece of advice for students studying MA Applied Linguistics is to always do the weekly readings and homework that the teacher prescribes. Life is unpredictable and we do not always have motivation to do our work, but just try to devote a small amount of time to your readings as often as possible and do not put off your readings until later in the semester. I think this advice is actually applicable to all programs. 

Completing the readings on time will ensure that you are always prepared for your classes and able to comfortably contribute to in-class discussions. Therefore, you will never feel like you are overwhelmed or falling behind on the course content.”