At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students from pre-arrival to graduation with tailored advice and guidance.
- Company: Join Heriot-Watt University, a leader in student support and engagement.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days annual leave, 9 public holidays, and a competitive salary.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your professional skills.
- Qualifications: Degree level education or equivalent experience in a student-facing role.
The predicted salary is between 26707 - 31236 £ per year.
Grade and Salary: Grade 5, £26,707 - £31,236 per annum
FTE and working pattern: Full-time, 35hrs per week, Fixed-term (12 months)
Reward and Benefits: 28 days annual leave + 9 public holidays (including Christmas Eve when it falls on a weekday).
About our Team
The Student Advisor role is located within the Student Advisor Team, part of Student Life within the Global Registry and Academic Support Directorate. It is based at the Scottish Borders Campus.
Purpose of Role
To provide a wide range of advice, support and guidance across the student life cycle, from pre‑arrival to graduation. Student Advisors are a key contact point, advocating for students and ensuring parity of experience.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Supporting Assigned Individual Students
- Provide a personal, professional relationship tailored to each student’s needs.
- Support students through critical stages such as pre‑arrival, induction and key study transitions.
- Advise on university systems and processes: finance, mitigating circumstances, registration, progression, conduct and disability adjustments.
- Resolve issues directly, signpost or refer to specialist support, and manage urgent or complex health and wellbeing concerns.
- Engage with broader student support services and Personal Tutors/Academic Advisors.
- Communicate relevant information to appropriate staff.
- Use management information to identify at‑risk students, facilitate advice and track interventions.
- Encourage student engagement, community feeling and opportunities for learning and broader experience.
- Contribute to the development of a holistic support system, aligning with Personal Tutors, Academic Advisors and peer support.
- Identify common issues affecting student groups and propose solutions.
- Meet regularly with academic staff to stay updated on developments.
- Carry out any other duties as required by the Manager of the Student Advisor team.
- Assist with student enrolment events, graduation ceremonies and the Student Helpline.
- Undertake duties as required by the Global Director of Student Experience, Academic Registrar or Head of Student Life.
Person Specification
Essential
- First‑degree level education or equivalent practical experience.
- Experience in a student‑facing support role in a similar environment.
- Competent in relevant IT packages.
- Analytical and problem‑solving skills.
- Well‑developed interpersonal skills.
- Excellent customer service skills.
- Ability to work quickly, flexibly and accurately in a dynamic, pressured environment.
- Professional and proactive approach.
Desirable
- Experience in Higher Education.
- Experience advising students.
- Experience collaborating with multi‑location teams.
Application Deadline
Applications can be submitted until 23:55 on Thursday 30 April 2026.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Heriot‑Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to creating an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised and otherwise treated on the basis of merit and ability. Equality and diversity are fundamental to the university’s culture, and the university welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from under‑represented groups.
Student Advisor in Galashiels employer: Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
Contact Detail:
Heriot-Watt University Malaysia Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Student Advisor in Galashiels
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former Student Advisors on LinkedIn or through university events. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions. Think about how your experience aligns with supporting students and resolving issues. We want to see your problem-solving skills shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for student support! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've helped students in the past. This will demonstrate your commitment to their success.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are keen to join our team directly!
We think you need these skills to ace Student Advisor in Galashiels
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the Student Advisor role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills, like problem-solving and customer service, have made a difference in previous roles. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Be Personable: Remember, this role is all about supporting students. Let your personality shine through in your application. Share anecdotes that reflect your interpersonal skills and your passion for helping others.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and get back to you quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Student Advisor inside out. Familiarise yourself with the key duties and responsibilities listed in the job description. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your skills in student support, problem-solving, and communication. Think about times when you've successfully helped students or resolved issues, as these stories will resonate well during the interview.
✨Engage with the Team
During the interview, express your enthusiasm for working within a team. Highlight your ability to collaborate with others, especially in a multi-location environment. Mention any previous experiences where teamwork led to positive outcomes for students.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of the interview. This could be about the support systems in place for students or how the Student Advisor team collaborates with academic staff. It shows you're proactive and genuinely interested in contributing to the university's mission.