The Connector Programme is a great way for students at Sussex to provide their input on student life, and work in collaboration with staff and other students to make meaningful change at the University. Student Connectors are offered great opportunities to develop their personal and professional skills – and get paid at the same time! This programme aims to make Sussex better represent the students and to enhance student life based on student experience and feedback. 

This article focuses on two of our Student Connectors who were asked to reflect on their roles and what it is like to be a Connector. The two students shared their experiences in a Connector Roundtable video and reflected on their involvement in the Connector Programme. 

Firstly, meet Tom Day, a Music student and a Student Connector working on co-creating the Connector Programme itself. Each member of Tom’s  team focuses on one specific area in the development of the Connector Programme, these areas include skill development, community, communications, and evaluation. Tom’s area of focus being communications, he details that this includes tasks such as running the Connector Programme’s Instagram account. 

Secondly, meet Sandra Ogholaja-Ogboru, a Chemistry student, and a Student Connector who worked on the planning and developing of Welcome Week 2021. Sandra described their role working on Welcome Week stating: “My weekly tasks included reviewing and critiquing past welcome week resources from a student’s POV, analysing deficits and inconsistences within these resources and co-creating new materials to be utilised on and offline.” She is also currently working as a Buddy in the Connector Programme which entails mentoring new Connectors and ensuring all new recruits are comfortable and ready for their new roles. 

“This role allowed me to develop myself in a way that I had never imagined”- Sandra 

Both Tom and Sandra specified that the Connector programme helped them develop many personal and professional skills including time-management, public speaking, professionalism, and project management. 

When asked to talk about the development of their skills and their biggest achievements, the Connectors responded: 

Tom: When I started working as a Connector my timekeeping and self-discipline skills were horrible. I would leave everything to the last minute, which would more often than not leave my work shoddy and rushed. These are most valuable skills I have developed in the Programme – regular updates with my Staff Connector have helped me put together a timekeeping plan that breaks down my hours into bite-size chunks. I now give much more thought to how much time I need to put in, and how to go about completing my tasks. 

Sandra: This role allowed me to develop myself in a way that I had never imagined. My confidence whilst being a Student Connector has increased tenfold. This role afforded me the opportunity to work on various employability skills such as professionalism, project management and public speaking; opportunities I couldn’t get through my degree alone. This role has been a massive benefit to me as it has led me to understand my interests outside of my degree a lot more. For example, I discovered a great interest for online content creation and social media management, which helps inform my career path decisions after graduation. A great achievement for me during this role was that due to my social media campaign for connector projects and services, we saw a massive increase in student turnout to university events. 

“I am truly grateful for the Connector Programme and my team, and I am excited to see where else this role can take me in the future.” - Sandra 

Both Connectors also mentioned feeling a great sense of belonging and community within the programme as well as always feeling heard and supported in their teams.  

Tom: When I first joined the Connector Programme I was slightly concerned because the job title sounded very ‘professional’ but as soon as I started, I was made to feel right at home. It helps that I love the team I’m a part of. Everyone is super lovely and I don’t want to let anyone down!  

Sandra: The Connector Programme has been so supportive of any interests outside of my initial role that I may have. They always provide extra opportunities for personal development and through this scheme, I was able to reignite my passion for mentoring as a Buddy Connector. I am truly grateful for the Connector Programme and my team, and I am excited to see where else this role can take me in the future. 

If you wish to learn more about the Connector Programme feel free to find us on our staff website, on the Student Hub or on Instagram @connectorprogramme You can also contact the team onconnectorprogramme@sussex.ac.uk 

Further information: https://student.sussex.ac.uk/experience/connectors