/prod01/wlvacuk/media/departments/digital-content-and-communications/submitted-news-images/Mr-Speaker-2.jpeg)
/prod01/wlvacuk/media/departments/digital-content-and-communications/submitted-news-images/Sports-therapy-students.jpg)
University graduates make their mark as Digital Ambassadors
Two graduates are making their mark in the University's Digital Services department, gaining valuable professional experience while helping staff and students get the most from technology.
Kieren Protheroe and Isaam Zamir joined Digital Services in August after successfully completing a rigorous recruitment process for two new entry-level Digital Ambassador roles.
As Digital Ambassadors, Kieren and Isaam are gaining hands-on experience in a professional IT environment, developing their skills while exploring opportunities for future career progression.
Kieren, a Music graduate, and Isaam, a Marketing graduate, have already made an impact, getting involved in a wide range of projects and supporting colleagues and students across the University.
Kieren said: “It's a joy to be able to give back to the university that gave me the opportunity to become who I am today, and to help our students who are on their own journeys”.
During their first few weeks, they joined the Testing team to help check more than 200 pieces of University software ahead of the new academic year. They have also delivered IT essentials presentations at new student events, helped resolve technology issues and created resources to support students.
Kieren and Isaam were tasked with reviewing recent student feedback about IT and digital services, from the recent student pulse survey, and developed an action plan in response. They went on to present their findings and proposed actions to the wider IT team at a Digital Services Town Hall, receiving a spontaneous round of applause from colleagues.
Their support has extended into welcome and enrolment events, with the pair spending 2 weeks in the enrolment hubs helping students with technology, resolving a wide range of issues and developing user guidance. While supporting and getting to know their IT Service Desk colleagues.
They have also worked alongside our IT Business Partnerships Managers to support the start of teaching across faculties, helping with software, audiovisual technology and devices.
Isaam said: “Since joining Digital Services, I've had the opportunity to work on a variety of projects, from supporting students during enrolment to reviewing student feedback and helping to shape improvements. As a recent graduate, it's been particularly rewarding to see how the work we do directly benefits students and staff. The role so far has helped me build my confidence, develop new skills and gain valuable experience. I'm looking forward to learning more, building relationships across the University and continuing to develop my skills while supporting staff and students.”
Looking ahead, Kieren and Isaam will help launch a new Microsoft 365 SharePoint site designed to build confidence among staff and students when using Microsoft 365 applications. They will also work with HR and academic colleagues to support training in Excel, OneDrive, the use of AI and other University applications.
The Digital Ambassador roles provide graduates with valuable professional experience while bringing a fresh student and graduate perspective to Digital Services, helping shape support around the needs of the University community.
Their contribution so far shows how creating opportunities for University graduates can support their career development while also making a positive difference for staff and students across the University.
“Creating these two-year entry level roles was initially about giving our students an opportunity for real experience in a professional IT environment, at a large and complex organisation. But this has quickly turned into, how very lucky we are to have Isaam and Kieren in our team. They are enthusiastic, keen to learn, self-sufficient, pro-active, and staff/student focussed. The quality of their work is a real credit to the university and their faculty.”
Emma Barwell, DA team lead.
For more information please contact the Corporate Communications Team.