Evie recounts her experience with Partners in Learning and tells us how her involvement with the projects has aided her professional development.

The opportunity for students to produce research is rare, for a first year student to have had her work presented at a University conference and a national student engagement conference is exceptional. Both of these are things that have happened to me because of Partners in Learning. These experiences are just part of the day to day running of the University’s flagship student:staff partnership initiative.

Whilst the projects have shifted focus a little since I left, the theme of partnership remains essential to the success of our research. Student and staff collaborations allow us an insight into the running of the University and during my time I was able to work closely with my Head of School to formulate new spaces for student interaction and knowledge sharing.

The whole experience has taught me the strength of student voice and the confidence to express mine. Partners in Learning offered me a range of personal development opportunities too, that have been enriching and have complemented my studies, encouraging me to take more risks with my essays and learning strategies. Most notably the courses offered alongside the Christ Church Extra award helped me understand project management techniques that have manifested into organisation and time management, critical skills for the employment market.

During my summer internship I was tasked with creating marketing materials and developing the strategies for the 2015-16 Partners in Learning. This gave me a chance to express my creative side, and I was able to explore different marketing styles and produce graphics that are still used today.