Strand Three

Tell us about yourself – what are your hobbies and what projects are you involved with in or outside the University?

Since a young age I have had a real passion for entrepreneurship and business. At age 15, I decided to set up my own bouncy castle hire business in order to earn some money. To begin with I ran it as a bit of a laugh and invested just £180 into the business...but after a couple of years the business has grown substantially and is now funding my entire degree! This has fuelled my enthusiasm for innovation and enterprise and I am now working on the committee of Oxford Entrepreneurs to help deliver their exciting and unique programme of events, speakers, and competitions to students in and around Oxford.

What attracted you to become an ASKe CTA and how has it benefitted you?

What wouldn’t attract you to becoming an ASKe CTA?  Flexible hours, good levels of responsibility, above average pay, good fun colleagues, and an awesome management team.  Also fulfilling this role looks great on the CV especially if you are looking to work in the computer industry in the future. Not only does it show that a university have employed you but you have also been given a more in-depth role than, say, working in a shop along with an impressive looking job title!

What is it like being an ASKe CTA, what do you typically come across in a shift? Would you recommend such a scheme to other students?

It’s great being an ASKe CTA! You have flexible shifts that you can fit in and around your lectures and seminars, and, if you can’t make a shift then it’s simple to swap it with someone that can. There’s a great working community amongst all the student CTA’s and management team, everyone gets on well and looks out for each other.

A typical shift lasts between 3-4 hours; it involves helping students with any technical difficulties they are experiencing (printing, saving work, programme changes, etc). You may also have to report various faults with hardware, keep the Undergraduate Centre looking tidy, and generally be a friendly and approachable face for students to come and ask for help/advice.

I would definitely recommend the ASKe CTA scheme to other students!

Tell us about yourself – what are your hobbies and what projects are you involved with in or outside the University?
I’m a mature student, I have two children and I’m a D.S.A. A.D.I. (Driving Instructor) part time.  I’m a full time student of Computer Science, along with working as a CTA.  I’m a little short of time for outside projects at the moment but was previously a full-time Youth Worker and co-ran a project called Operation Noah’s Ark.  This involved raising funds in order to build a Day Care Centre for HIV orphans, and taking small groups of young people to Kenya to work with the children and help with the build.  I’m particularly proud of my role in that project, it was a real eye-opener and very rewarding.

What attracted you to become an ASKe CTA and how has it benefitted you?
Initially I was looking for part-time work; however when I saw the advertisement for CTA, the role interested me as much as the fact that it was work.  It has given me more insight into certain Brookes’ systems but I’ve also developed further knowledge of application software and trouble-shooting.  Further to this I have gained in confidence and made friends within the team.

What is it like being a ASKe CTA, what do you typically come across in a shift? Would you recommend such a scheme to other students?
Typically in a shift I have come across issues involving PIP, BV, etc but also general queries regarding files/folders and application uses.  I have been able to help students with paperwork for deadlines and given them the tools that they need to prepare unaided in the future. Sign-posting students for information regarding their modules/timetables have also been a feature and very rewarding for me.  I would thoroughly recommend such a scheme to other students in all aspects.

Tell us about yourself – what are your hobbies and what projects are you involved with in or outside the University?
I have been involved with some lecturers preparing wikis and websites and presenting them to fellow students during their lecturers. Within the University, I also work as a Learning Resources Assistant whereby I help the staff with any technical difficulties they come across.

I love playing football in and outside of University. A few other members of staff and I started a weekly football event held every Thursday.

I am also involved with the Student Union and I am a Student Rep. I liaise between the students on my course and the School of Technology Board to discuss potential improvements to the student experience here at Oxford Brookes.

All work and no play makes Kwasi a dull boy (!) so I organise regular outings with my colleagues to Oxford town centre for a few drinks every other weekend.

What attracted you to become an ASKe CTA and how has it benefitted you?
I love helping people solve technical issues with their computer. As a former placement IT Support Assistant from the Business School, I developed adequate skills which I felt would benefit other students if I was on the ASKe CTA Helpdesk. I knew the ins and outs of Brookes Computer Systems so I could direct students to the right source for help if it’s beyond my boundaries.  I thought it would be an opportunity to meet and liaise with several students and continue improving my skills.

What is it like being a ASKe CTA, what do you typically come across in a shift? Would you recommend such a scheme to other students?
It’s great being an ASKe CTA. I get involved solving computer related issues such as printing, document formatting, lost computer files, user account log in issues, module addition and deletion etc. Students always tend to need us most when printing, binding and submitting their coursework.  I sometimes come across students looking for their Module Leader, trying to locate a lecture room or simply trying to book one of our presentation rooms. We work close to the Wheatley Computer Services Helpdesk and Wheatley Audio Visuals (AV) to provide the best service to all students.

I would recommend this CTA scheme to any student because it gives you great opportunity to meet other students and develop your technical and communication skills.
I believe it’ll be a great sight on your CV too!