It’s September! For those of us who have worked in Higher Education, it's the most wonderful time of the year. During my time in HE, September was always my favourite month of the academic cycle and I loved welcoming new students. The Welcome Week activities, the fresh faces, albeit rabbit in headlights – yes there was the odd student who had turned up to the wrong university, or wasn't quite sure which degree course they were enrolling onto – but I loved that vulnerability that soon disappeared as they got to know ‘the student way’.
Welcome Week is always a crazy time of year for university staff. Living on a diet of Celebrations and Haribo, having an endless stash of trainers under the desk because let’s face it, heels are a definite no go. The walkie talkies (phone signal on campus was always a nightmare) to communicate with colleagues throughout the day ‘the eagle has landed, over’. Getting to the end of a 12-hour working day and realising you still haven’t had a loo break. The sheer deliriousness of running on pure adrenaline – the team banter and laughs, and the well-deserved drinks at the end of the week.
How amazing meeting new students and knowing that you are going to be a part of their university journey - their life journey. Knowing that you will travel with them from day one through to graduation day – watching them flourish and achieve things that they never thought possible. It's very difficult to describe that feeling and there really is nothing quite like it.
This September looks very different for most institutions… what will you miss?
What do TG Consulting offer?
TG Consulting offer a bespoke service and are building a culture to challenge the way that universities, employers and suppliers work together, with students at the core. We work in true partnership with our clients, all of whom benefit from our insight, knowledge and experience.
You will receive our full focus as we approach every project with fresh ideas. As such, the work of TG Consulting has been recognised at this year’s UK Social Mobility Awards, as we have been shortlisted under the Small Business of the Year category.
If you are interested in a virtual coffee and a free initial consultation, please contact us via info@tgconsultingltd.co.uk
Written by Tonia Galati, TG Consulting Director & Founder