Social Care student upskills after organising conference

Students from a Faculty of Health, Education and Society subject had a day of careers exploration especially for them this week, created and delivered by ‘one of their own’.

The conference (on Monday 11 March) was for students of various health and social care courses – MSc Public Health, Health and Social Care Practice (HSCP), Foundation degree in Dental Nursing – and was designed by Gloria Kanku (pictured on the right, at lectern), who is in the first year of her HSCP degree.

The day included UON alumni and the keynote speaker was Dr Marcella Daye from Faculty of Business and Law who talked about Why Places and People Matter in Tackling Health Inequalities.

Alia Pike from the National Youth Agency discussed the value of youth work and the careers available.

Sharon Womersley from The Lowdown – that provides support services for young people in the county – outlined the differences and benefits of the charity versus the statutory sector.

Graduates dropped in and talked about their post-UON career stories and the day concluded with students making full use of a careers fair. Many were deep in conversation and networking for most of the afternoon.

Students are seen engaging with various stakeholders at the Careers Fair that followed the Health and Social Care Conference.

Gloria talks about managing her first event: “Organising the conference has been insightful and so enjoyable, with a lot of hard but rewarding work!

“The day went smoothly, and it was so good to see the students, who are in the same place as me looking for that future, first, great job, getting as much out of the event as I wanted.

“I’ve learned so many different skills from doing this. It’s helped with my organisation, efficiency, and time management. This experience will help my future skills, so a big thank you from me to my lecturers for allowing to be a part of this and to shine with this opportunity.”