Being a Project Co-ordinator
Nurjas writes about her time as a project co-ordinator for Discovery.
Being a project co-ordinator (PC) for Discovery has provided an invaluable experience that is highly unique. Being a PC at Discovery has been highly rewardable and enjoyable, helping the student body and wider community through volunteering has meant that I was able to gain both hard and soft skills such as project management and leadership.
At the beginning of this experience, I lacked confidence and disliked public speaking. The role has provided multiple hurdles and challenges, however through the support of staff, I have thoroughly enjoyed this role and have been able to learn from other like-minded project coordinators alongside the regular training opportunities that have made me well-equipped for the role. The PC role has taught me how to be flexible, committed, and resilient and has allowed me to demonstrate and develop verbal, written and visual communication skills as well as time management skills. Being a PC during the pandemic was unpredictable but being a part of a community of PCs and like-minded volunteers has meant that I was still able to meet new people as well as volunteer for the wider community, and gain experience that I wouldn’t have gained otherwise. Becoming a Project Coordinator this year has been a highlight of my second year and will without a doubt be a highlight of my university experience.
All in all, taking on the role had made me anxious, but I was able to learn skills I wouldn’t have been able to do such as event planning through risk assessments and recruitment of volunteers, managing a budget and hosting zoom sessions. Overall, I feel fortunate to have taken this opportunity as not only have I gained desirable skills, but I have also fulfilled personal achievements such as helping others and going out of my comfort zone. This in turn has enabled me to take on opportunities in my final year that I wouldn’t have otherwise taken as this role has allowed me to grow and advance. Thanks to this role, I have been able to build upon my HEAR award and have been able to work towards a gold Discovery award, which is going to add that professional achievement to my CV. In summary being a project co-ordinator is both rewarding and challenging, however I have enjoyed every moment. I would recommend being a PC to anyone who wants to gain experience but doesn’t know where to start or anyone passionate in making a difference.