MDXSU meets...a student advice advocate
Alex is a part-time volunteer at MDXSU working as a student advice advocate, running one-to-one meetings with students struggling to keep on top of academic demands and guiding them through challenging personal circumstances.
His Law degree will qualify him for advocacy work after he graduates, but while he studies he is developing valuable skills through MDXSU's work experience program. Volunteering for the Union's advice team gives Alex access to advocacy training, hands-on professional practice and the chance to help fellow students deal proactively with difficulties they face.
He took time out to tell us more about the experience...
Whereabouts are you from + what brought you to Middlesex?
I was born and raised in Toronto and I came to MDX about a year ago to study Law. I came to Middlesex because I want to explore my opportunities in another country, especially London.
So far it has been amazing because Middlesex has given me a wide range of opportunities to succeed in the field of law. It was a challenge to learn in a different country, but the uni and the SU were supportive throughout. Not to mention, the beautiful campus and the lovely city were major reasons I studied abroad.
How did you find out about the Student Advice Advocates’ project?
I found out about the SA Advocates’ Project when I received an advert via student e-mail.
What interested you in applying to volunteer with MDXSU's Advice service?
I always wanted to be part of [Middlesex's community] but I was never informed on how to be involved. When I saw the advert about long term work experience in advocacy, I developed a keen interest and decided to volunteer for the SA Advice service. I also realise that high grades and a degree would not guarantee a future placement unless accompanied with quality work experience.
How did you go about applying?
Applying was one of the most important aspects because first impression counts! Belinda Okuya, the Advice Coordinator, required a CV with a covering letter detailing the reasons why I was interested in this position. Consequently, putting time and effort on drafting the CV and covering letter was a must.
What sort of things do you work on as a SA advocate?
As a SA advocate, I receive real case management experience. For instance, my clients may struggle to graduate from their program or proceed to their upper year because of plagiarism or extenuating circumstances. In such scenario, I step in and give advice on how to make a strong and influential formal appeal to the Appeal Assessment Board.
Have you learnt any new skills?
Besides being a SU Advocate, Belinda will deliver exceptional training and mentoring on how to give professional advice.
For instance, one of our topics in the workshop includes communication skills. Some skills that were acquired were leadership, management, problem-solving and communication skills, plus interpersonal, planning and organizing abilities and multicultural sensitivity.
How do you hope it will help you after University?
After University, I wish to gain a competitive advantage in the field of Law when employers or graduate schools notice that I was involved and contributed to my university's Students' Union. In addition, it would be an asset for employers because less training and mentoring would be required.
Not only did this work experience benefit me in the legal field, it also changed my character - I became more confident in myself, and more empathetic to other people's tragedies.
