At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students facing engagement challenges and guide them back to their studies.
- Company: Join the University of Derby's dynamic Student Engagement & Achievement Team.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38 days of annual leave, wellbeing support, and discounts at retailers.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in customer service and strong communication skills required.
Student Engagement & Achievement Officer/Coordinator
£25,802 to £26,582 per annum (for exceptional performers, there is scope for further progression up to £30,569 per annum).
Onsite
This role will be based on site, primarily in the named location.
We are seeking a Student Engagement & Achievement Graduate Intern to support proactive work with students who may be experiencing challenges with engagement. Working within the SE&A Team, the post holder will make contact with students identified as being at risk of disengagement, using supportive conversations to understand individual circumstances and encourage re‑engagement with their studies. The role involves active listening, guiding students to appropriate University services and helping students feel confident in continuing their academic journey.
The Student Engagement & Achievement (SE&A) Team leads the University of Derby’s strategic approach to student engagement, continuation and success. The team focuses on key academic transitions, using engagement data and student insight to design and deliver targeted interventions, particularly for students who may be at risk of disengagement.
Responsibilities
- Proactively identify and contact students not engaging through phone and email, using supportive conversations and timely nudges to explore attendance or engagement gaps.
- Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date student records by logging interactions and tracking engagement activity in line with data management requirements.
- Use a student‑centred approach to identify barriers to engagement and signpost students to appropriate internal services, ensuring recommendations are clear, timely and responsive to individual needs.
- Work under the guidance of the SE&A team to continually aim to improve student engagement.
- Work in accordance with university policies and procedures (including Equality and Diversity and Data Management), promote social mobility, equality and diversity for students and staff and sustain an inclusive environment.
- Undertake training as required, taking responsibility for maintaining and updating knowledge and skills.
- Support University wide duties in line with demand throughout the academic year, including supporting at Clearing, Open Days and Graduation.
Qualifications
Experience
- Experience working with Microsoft Office or equivalent.
- Experience producing accurate, well‑structured notes and maintaining up‑to‑date records.
- Pre‑existing experience in a customer service, call centre, or office‑based role.
Skills, knowledge & abilities
- Comfortable in supporting students in potentially difficult conversations, using empathy and judgement to identify appropriate support options.
- Confidence in asking open questions and engaging in reflective, supportive conversations.
- Student‑centred approach with a genuine commitment to supporting student engagement.
- Professional and confident telephone manner, able to guide students with clarity and reassurance.
- Strong interpersonal skills enabling clear and effective interactions in both written and verbal formats.
- Ability to understand and apply regulations/rules, e.g. GDPR.
- Awareness of the support needs and lived experiences of students from diverse backgrounds, including an understanding of barriers that may affect engagement.
Business Requirements
- Willingness to provide support at University events from time to time (e.g., Graduation, Clearing and Open Days, including evenings and weekends).
Benefits
- Generous annual leave entitlement of 38 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata).
- Suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family‑friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme.
- Access to a variety of staff discounts at high‑street retailers.
- Discounted onsite gym.leten
- Cycle to Work scheme.
- A flexible working environment.
- A commitment to personal and professional development.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
The University of Derby is committed to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion, regardless of age, disability, trans status, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief (or none), sex and sexual orientation. We are Disability Confidence Employers and are committed to a trans and non‑binary inclusive environment. We encourage applicants to highlight any adjustments they may require to ensure equitable participation in our recruitment processes.
Student Engagement & Achievement Graduate Intern employer: University of Derby
The University of Derby is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation in IT service delivery. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have access to professional growth opportunities and a generous benefits package, all while contributing to a vibrant academic community dedicated to enhancing user systems and maintaining high security standards.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Student Engagement & Achievement Graduate Intern
✨Dive into Digital Education Events
Get yourself to educational fairs, webinars, and workshops focused on digital learning. These are great places to meet industry professionals and learn about internship opportunities that might not be widely advertised. Keep an eye on platforms like Eventbrite or even local university listings!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Start creating content that showcases your knowledge in digital learning. Whether it’s blogging about innovative teaching methods or creating video tutorials, this could really set you apart! Plus, you'll have something to share during interviews that highlights your passion and expertise.
✨Tap into University Networks
If you’re still at university, make sure to leverage your career services. They often have connections with local companies that are looking for interns in digital education. Don’t be shy to ask about leads or job postings – they’re there to help you land that gig!
✨Apply Directly on Our Website
When you find an internship like the one at University of Derby, make sure to apply through our website. We often have exclusive openings listed there that you won't find anywhere else, plus it shows your genuine interest in being a part of University of Derby's team!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Digital Learning:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for digital education shine through! Talk about any projects, experiences, or certifications related to e-learning that you've been involved in. This is your chance to show us how much you love this field and why you want to dive deeper into it during your internship at University of Derby.
Highlight Relevant Skills and Tools:Make sure to mention any specific skills or tools that are common in digital learning, like familiarity with learning management systems (LMS) or content creation software. List these in your CV, as they can give us a quick snapshot of how you fit into the role of Student Engagement & Achievement Graduate Intern at University of Derby.
Share Your Learning Journey:Include a section in your application that highlights how you've approached your own education. This could be through online courses, workshops, or even personal projects related to digital learning. This demonstrates your commitment to the field and shows us that you're not just looking for a job, but a valuable learning experience at University of Derby.
Tailor Your Application for the Role:When applying for this internship, it’s super important to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific responsibilities of the Student Engagement & Achievement Graduate Intern role. We want to see how your individual strengths match up with what we’re looking for at University of Derby. Remember to apply through our website, so we can easily track your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Derby
✨Showcase Your Learning Passion
We need to emphasise how enthusiastic we are about learning and education. Prepare to share specific examples of how you've engaged with digital learning tools or projects—whether it’s creating a course, using educational software, or even designing a learning resource. This could make a great impression at University of Derby!
✨Be Ready for Interactive Demos
Since this is digital learning, you might face interactive or practical assessment formats. Be prepared to demonstrate any projects or digital tools you've worked with, like learning management systems or e-learning platforms. Practising these demos will help us feel more confident when the pressure is on during the interview.
✨Connect Your Goals to Their Mission
It's key to align our personal motivations with the mission of University of Derby. Think about why you want to work in digital education specifically, and how that connects to your career aspirations. This shows commitment and a clear sense of direction to the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Insightful Questions
Expect questions that dig deeper into how we’d tackle challenges in digital education, such as adapting content for diverse learners. Formulate our thoughts on current trends in e-learning and how you'd contribute ideas to the team at University of Derby. This displays our understanding and engagement with the field!
