By Hugh Cunningham
Helping Students Start Their Journey
I work in Admissions and my main role is processing applications for full-time courses here at Leeds College of Building. It’s a fast-paced role where no two days are the same.
Alongside admissions, I also help manage bursary support and regularly assist at school liaison events. On a typical day, I’ll start by working through emails, making sure anything urgent gets actioned. From there, it’s onto processing new applications and providing information and guidance to all applicants.
Why I Chose to Work in a Support role at College
Before joining LCB, I worked in customer service and really enjoyed the interaction with people. When I saw the role for an Admissions Administrator advertised, it immediately caught my eye. I liked the idea of being part of something bigger and supporting people at a key point in their lives, so I applied and got the job.
The Impact We Make
One of the most rewarding parts of my job is knowing we’re the first step in a student’s journey. For many students and parents, receiving that offer of a place is a huge moment, it brings relief and excitement.
It doesn’t stop there. Through managing bursary support, we also make sure students don’t face barriers when it comes to essentials like travel to college or food. It’s about giving everyone a fair chance to succeed, regardless of their circumstances.
“Every day brings new conversations, new questions, and the chance to make a difference”
What I Love About Working in Education
It’s definitely the people, both the students and my colleagues. Every day brings new conversations, new questions, and the chance to make a difference. Seeing students grow and develop into confident young adults is incredibly satisfying.
And on a personal note, I’ve even had a few DIY tips from staff along the way too!
Opportunities to Grow
Since starting my role, I’ve been encouraged to get involved in a variety of events and projects. From careers fairs to mock interviews, I’ve really had the chance to develop my professional side.
On a technical level, I’ve also learned a lot more about the behind-the-scenes processes in admissions and bursary.
One moment I’m proud of was during the switch from paper to digital bursary forms. I came up with the idea of using a shared folder on Teams to store evidence, which allowed multiple people to update the spreadsheet at once, it really helped the process run smoothly.
How Support Staff Make a Difference
Support staff play a huge part in the college experience. We’re not just here for admin, we’re approachable and trusted points of contact for students. Whether it’s helping with a form, answering a question, or just being someone they can talk to, we’re part of the wider support system that helps them succeed.
Thinking About Applying? Here’s My Advice
If you’re considering a support role in a college—go for it. There’s so much more to the role than what’s listed in the job description. The difference you can make in someone’s life, just by helping them take their first steps or by being a friendly face during a tough time, makes it all worthwhile.