SaP at Deakin: A Student’s Perspective
Applying for a new job can be daunting, let alone doing so whilst studying. However, Deakin staff are often working behind the scenes with students to make learning at Deakin is as efficient and enjoyable as possible. Various departments and areas (such as Deakin Learning Futures, the library and so on) are often seeking student partners, as we can provide firsthand insight into what may be working and what could be improved.
Collaborating with students in partnership helps staff consider a perspective that they alone are not able to provide. For example, as of October 2021, I am working as a student partner (with another third-year student) to update online study guides for current and future students. We have been analysing current Deakin resources to see from a student perspective how the resources can be improved. Overall, the experience has been valuable, as I have learned a considerable amount about the functionality of CloudDeakin and how to work in a team. I have found the Deakin staff to be incredibly understanding and supportive throughout the experience, as they have allowed us the creative space to take on the job in the best way, we see fit. It’s also been fun teaching them about what it’s like to be a Deakin student and helping them understand the unique student point of view.
Should students consider working in partnership with staff?
Managing any job while studying can be challenging, however, student partnership projects at Deakin can be quite flexible, depending on the project. For example, sometimes the work hours can be flexible with the option of half- or full-days, and the ability to choose which days you work to accommodate your studies. However, time-management skills are still necessary to maintain a manageable work-life balance. In order to do this, Deakin has a Study workload planner which may help you plan out your day-to-day activities.
I know that balancing work and study can be stressful. For the most part, I have managed to stay on track and juggle all of these commitments simultaneously by utilising the resources accessible to me—such as therapy, colour-coded virtual calendars, the Deakin Resource Centre, etc.—and making sure I try to maintain open lines of communications between myself and my tutors, bosses, family and friends.
What are next steps if I’m interested in exploring partnership?
If you are interested in learning more about student partnership opportunities, the first step is to sign up for the Student Partners database. In the form, you’ll be asked questions about yourself (e.g., your course, campus) as well as what topics about the student experience interest you. For example, maybe you are passionate about improving curriculum or maybe you have an interest in helping the university consider how environments could be more inclusive. Once you are signed up, when new opportunities pop up, you’ll be the first to know!
When you see opportunities arise, it’s also important to consider if you are qualified and, if so, what can help you get the role. In student partnership opportunities typically, the prerequisites are very minimal, you just need to be current Deakin student! After all, the point of these roles is that you have expertise in what it’s like to be a student and can help provide recommendations and ideas for staff. But many roles are looking for specific types of students, such as undergraduate, or studying a particular course, so make sure you read the application carefully.
In terms of writing an outstanding resume, DeakinTALENT has many useful resources. These include, resume templates (including discipline-specific resume templates), resume workshops to help you develop a strong resume, baseline resume reviews (i.e. review of resumes that have not been tailored to a specific job description), information on key selection criteria and other information regarding applying for a new job such as deconstructing job ads, how to select referees and access to career coaches.
Good luck!
Hayley Marshall