Aspirations Agents
Student Equity and Participation manages a team of enthusiastic University of Canberra students for paid casual work as Aspirations Agents. Aspirations Agents assist the Student Equity and Participation team to deliver a range of programs to encourage students who are traditionally less likely to participate in higher education to view university as a valuable and attainable option.
By working with a number of enthusiastic student Aspirations Agents, drawn from a variety of disciplines, backgrounds and a range of hometowns, our aim is to build networks and relationships with high school students in Canberra and the outlying regions in NSW.
Aspirations Agents will work on our Outreach Programs to inspire high school students from disadvantaged backgrounds to aspire to higher education; however, you may also be invited to assist with a range of our programs throughout the year.
Duties and responsibilities of a UC Aspirations Agent may include:
- Assisting with our campus-based university experience programs
- Assisting Widening Participation team members to facilitate lesson delivery at target high schools
- Participating in discussions answering a variety of student generated questions about university life, study skills, courses and career pathways from your own experience
- Assisting with on-campus UC 4 Yourself programs which may involve: leading campus tours, working with groups of students, ensuring students are supported during their visit, and performing other program-related tasks as required
- Being a positive role model and a proud ambassador of the University of Canberra
- Assisting with various University of Canberra events and programs including: Orientation Week, rural and regional student transition programs and Open Day
- Speaking at Community and Parent Information sessions
- Assisting to develop new programs and lessons.
Aspirations Agents are students who easily identify with our target high school students, many of whom will be from rural areas or first-in-family to pursue tertiary studies. Aspirations Agents demonstrate excellent communication skills, a positive attitude, confidence in sharing their university experiences with others and the ability to build rapport with school-aged students. We value students who are reliable, proactive and outgoing.
The exciting role of an Aspirations Agent also includes unique opportunities to access benefits and training provided by the university:
- Opportunity to attend leadership training and conferences
- Training and career opportunities
- Development of public speaking skills and effective communication skills
- Networking opportunities with faculty academics and other University and school staff
- Certificate of Appreciation from the Director of Student Life and opportunity for excellent references
- Other opportunities as they arise.
If you are interested in becoming an Aspiration Agent, please complete this Microsoft Form and we will be in touch if you are a suitable match.
Please apply HERE
Zineb
Where are you from?
I was born in Morocco, North Africa and two months later moved with my family to the USA and lived in New York for 8 years. We then moved back to Morocco for 8 years, before coming to Australia in 2016.
What are you studying?
I am now enrolled in my 3rd year of Bachelor of Pharmacy! How did I get here? I always knew I loved helping people in need by organising fundraisers, donating food and drinks, and giving money. I also have always been into science and health.
How long have you been an Aspirations Agent, and what are your favourite things about the role?
I’ve been an agent for 2.5 years and it’s been a journey. I love welcoming students to the campus and telling them about the opportunities after school, with a high or low ATAR. I also love seeing their reactions when we tell them all the different degrees or jobs they can go into. School was such a struggle for me, so I understand them wanting to move on to the next chapter of their lives. Being an Aspirations Agent means you inspire younger people to keep going and aim for the stars even when they are faced with challenges.
Ryan
Where are you from?
I grew up in Canberra
What are you studying?
I am studying a Bachelor of Science (Human Biology)
What is your dream job, and why?
My dream job is a medical fertility specialist undertaking research into new means of producing viable zygotes (the term for a fertilised egg) from same sex partners while also operating in a clinical setting in gynaecology and obstetrics.
Julieanna
Where are you from?
Originally from Cobar NSW
What are you studying?
Studying at UC in my final year doing a Bachelor of Science, majoring in; Biological Chemistry, Human biology, Environmental Genetics, and Forensic Chemistry.
What's your favourite part of being an Aspirations Agent?
I'm currently a First Year Agent, I absolutely love the role finding out what other people's interests are and having the ability to influence the younger generation.