Becoming a Student Trainer for Destination Success has been one of the most rewarding things I have done at Surrey so far! I originally got involved to build my own confidence and communication skills, but I admit I have ended up enjoying helping other students develop theirs just as much.

Delivering workshops does include presenting comfortably, but you have to read the room, explain ideas in different ways, and adapt off-the-cuff when something isn't landing right. Those are very transferable skills that I have taken further into both my work and social life.

What I particularly like about Destination Success is that it is not just another employability talk or 'seminar' where students sit and listen. The workshops are deliberately interactive and practical. Better yet, they are student-led, which makes them much more approachable. I have had the opportunity to work with lots of different people and see students (and trainers!) become noticeably more confident over time.

I would definitely encourage other students to become a Student Trainer! You get genuine experience of leading a room, facilitating discussions with different kinds of people, and of course something concrete to bring forward with you in future career opportunities.

 3 fun facts about me!

1. I compete nationally in Britain's go-karting championships.

2. I bake a very good cookie.

3. I founded my own student employability startup to help students navigate career opportunities. 

I chose to become a Student Trainer because I wanted to improve my public speaking and build my confidence, and one of the best ways to develop a skill is to challenge yourself to teach it to others. The training programme has given me the opportunity to do exactly that and so much more.

Since becoming a Student Trainer, I’ve found myself confidently leading presentations in the workplace too. I’ve developed a better understanding of how to engage different audiences, communicate ideas more effectively and feel comfortable taking the lead in a room.

I’ve also gained so much from the workshops themselves. Through delivering sessions on employability, I've picked up practical skills that I now use in my own working life, whether that’s identifying blockers to effective team collaboration or finding ways improve my productivity.

So, if you’re thinking of applying to become a Student Trainer, go for it! You’re not just helping other students learn, you’re developing yourself at the same time too. :)

Here are 3 facts about me :)

• I love hiking for the scenery.
• My proudest origami accomplishment has been creating the mythical creature, a 9-tailed fox.
• Although I'm a beginner, I love rollerskating.