Let us introduce you to the successful Pearson Student Advisory Board candidates for 2017/2018. This year we have recruited a diverse group of students from universities across the UK. Our PSAB members share a common drive to improve student experience and support fellow students through their partnership with Pearson. You can read more about the 17/18 team on this page.
Ben Churchill, Business and Management, Year 2, University of Liverpool
2nd year University of Liverpool – Business and Management
My name is Ben Churchill and I am a second year students at the University of Liverpool, studying Business and Management.
This year I’m particularly interested in modules looking into organisations operating outside of the UK, and how this effects management technique. Financial management is a further aspect of my course of key interest; looking at the fundamental foundations of business finance, allowing for a more in depth analysis of organisations.
In my spare time I enjoy playing tennis and have joined the university tennis club this year. Travelling is another interest of mine. In my gap year I travelled South East Asia and Australia, and last Summer I travelled Peru and Bolivia.
As part of my course I am undertaking an industrial placement. As a result of this I am focusing a lot of my time this year on interview techniques and improving my CV in order to put myself in a strong position to gain a placement.
I found out about PSAB through my university careers department and applied immediately after receiving the email. Work experience and the potential to make a difference in the education industry excited me and I knew it would look good on my CV.
Callum Portman Ross, Biomedical Science, Year 2, University of Essex
2nd Year University of Essex – Biomedical science
Hi, I’m Callum Portman Ross, a 2nd year Biomedical Science student at the University of Essex, in Colchester. At university, I am the president of the departmental society and I am project leader for one of the university’s volunteering programmes.
I found out about the Pearson Student Advisory Board during a recent lecture. It sounded like a different and challenging opportunity in comparison to things I had already taken part in. Since coming on board and having enjoyed the two days working in the Pearson Offices in London, and getting to know the working practices of the company, I have realised how amazing it is to have been selected to take part.
I am hoping to work in public health in disease response and prevention and I am hoping to apply my experience from PSAB and my degree to leave me with the rounded experience needed to work in today’s scientific community.
Matin Mahmoudi, Biological Sciences, Year 2, University of East Anglia
2nd Year University of East Anglia – Biological sciences
My name is Matin, I am currently a student at the University of East Anglia, studying Biological Sciences. We get to pick all our modules ourselves which allows us to study a variety of topics within the realms of biology. Personally I lean towards genetics and cell biology.
I was asked to join the committee of the biological society in my first year and I am now the union representative. The society offers a range of academic and social events to its members to allow people to discover new areas and engage actively with the scientific community.
In my spare time I do rowing at the university in order to have a break from the academic side and interact with people of other interests. Of course it is also a very fun sport and I enjoy being part of the team.
In the future I really want to get involved with cancer research and maybe some teaching. I hope that some of the experience I achieve through PSAB will help me with this.
Molly Day, Psychology, Year 3, University of Liverpool
2rd Year University of Liverpool – Psychology
Hello my name is Molly and I’m currently in my third year at the University of Liverpool studying Psychology. I am still exploring the many various areas involved with my course and hope to study further with a Masters degree.
I have not travelled much previously and so wish to change this over the next few years. I am hoping to volunteer abroad with the chance of working with animals – great for personal experience and the CV.
After being accepted to the Student Advisory Board I was very excited and nervous. Everyone is very friendly and offers you help when you need it. As well as this, everyone is paired with a professional mentor who is incredibly helpful in improving your skill set and achieving your career goals.
Dominick Williams, Rehabilitation Studies, Year 2, Keele University
2nd Year University of Keele – Rehabilitation studies
Hi Everyone, my name is Dominick and I am a second year Rehabilitation Science student at the University of Keele. My course is fairly new within the healthcare spectrum; it provides a series of modules to equip me with an understanding and skill set in rehabilitation, to help me treat a wide variety of patients.
I applied to be part of PSAB as I want to have a voice for both myself and other students who have started new courses. In addition I would also like to help with the design of new digital content for students to optimise their learning experience. I am excited about the projects we are working on and the opportunity to contribute and see how a large business operates. I also hope to improve my networking and social skills in the process.
Manpreet Gill, Biochemistry, Year 2, University of Manchester
2nd Year University of Manchester – Biochemistry
Hi, I’m Manni and I’m in my second year studying Biochemistry at the University of Manchester. So far a lot of my course has been focused solely on the biosciences, however, this year we have the option to take business and media based units which I enjoy. I’m on a four year course which includes a year in industry.
I found out about PSAB through the university careers website and thought it was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. It’s a great feeling to have an active role in shaping Pearson products and services to students and making a contribution to an organisation so involved in education in the UK.
Katy Toth, Criminology and Sociology, Year 3, University of Liverpool
3rd Year University of Liverpool – Criminology and Sociology
Hello my name is Katy and I’m a 3rd year criminology and sociology student at the university of Liverpool. Being at university has enabled me to expand my knowledge and awareness of the world and the news way in which we learn. I am part of the dance society at my university which has developed my confidence in working as part of a large group.
During my first 2 years I developed an interest in young offenders and how the justice system can impact on their lives after prison. My project during final year has given me the opportunity to work with charities who try to improve quality of life for these young offenders.
I found out about PSAB through a recommendation from my careers service and thought it was a fantastic opportunity to meet new people and understand the way in which an education business works. The experience so far has been exactly what I expected and more; Fun, unique, interesting and really helpful in terms of getting support with CVs and interview skills.
I would highly recommend applying to PSAB if you are interested in a great opportunity and experience.
Hannah Wright, History, Year 2, York
2nd Year University of York – History
Hi! My name is Hannah and I am a second year History student at the University of York. My particular areas of interest are women’s history, history of sexuality and oral history. I enjoy studying how fairy tales impacted religion, how people interacted and how we apply this knowledge to improve our modern society.
Outside of Uni I enjoy acting and working as a swimming teacher. I am planning my first travelling experience in the summer with an inter-railing across Europe. I also established a peer mentoring and anti-bullying programme at my former secondary school this year.
PSAB seemed to be an extraordinary opportunity to further my research into the education system. I would love to become a teacher or work within education to make a difference for the next generations. PSAB has provided me with a number of fantastic opportunities already – I have a mentor with a background in teaching who will help me with placements and improving my CV.
I am nervous about the time management aspect of PSAB, but with help from my mentor and the support from the (already) close knit PSAB unit, my excitement and enthusiasm is already overriding any fear.
Sumaya Chentouf, Law, Year 2, London School of Economics
2nd Year London School of Economics – Law
My name is Sumaya and I am a Law student in my second year at the London School of Economics. I found out about PSAB on the university careers website and thought it would be a great opportunity to be involved in the educational development of university students.
I am intrigued by the process of working on lots of different projects for Pearson. I am interested in the development side of educational tools and products and keen to see how these can be improved.
I am currently a member of the Law society at LSE and enjoy taking part in all aspects of university life.
Elissa Day, Egyptology with Chinese, Year 2, University of Liverpool
2nd Year University of Liverpool – Egyptology with Chinese
I’m Elissa and I study Egyptology and Chinese at the university of Liverpool. I’m particularly interested in linguistics and languages with a pictoral element, and I have been studying Japanese for 6 years.
I am president of the society of archaeology, classics and Egyptology and we help to organise trips and events for students studying these subjects. I also started fencing last year and present my own radio show at my student union. Another hobby of mine is coding and I build websites in my spare time.
I applied to PSAB as I have been helping with education at a local level through my work with the widening participation and outreach team at my university. I think that PSAB will allow me to have an impact on education on a wider scale. I’m looking forward to working on collaborative projects with the rest of the board and making a visible mark on higher education.
Paige Leggett, Psychology, Year 2, University of Essex
2nd Year University of Essex – Psychology
Hi, my name is Paige Leggett and I’m a second year Psychology student at the university of Essex. I hope to pursue a career in clinical psychology and work tackling the issue of mental health in the UK and around the world. I enjoy study topics like abnormal psychology and educational psychology and language.
In my spare time I like to read and watch movies. I currently volunteer for the university nightline service and I write for the psychology newsletter.
I’m excited about the project I am involved in as part of PSAB, and looking forward to working with new people from different universities around the country. I am looking forward to being part of the mentoring scheme. My mentor Luci was very helpful on our first meeting and I hope to gain a lot from this experience.
James Watson, Politics and Business, Year 2, University of Liverpool
2nd Year University of Liverpool – Politics and Business
My name is James, I’m 19 and I study Politics and Business at the university of Liverpool. I’m in my second year of university and focusing on the topics of war and media, alongside censorship and propaganda. On the business side of my degree, I very much enjoy people management studies.
At university I am a student ambassador and enjoy the responsibility that comes with this. I hope to become a senior student ambassador and become more involved with this scheme. In my free time I keep up with current affairs and business news as this helps me to stay ahead in my studies and the real world.
I found out about PSAB through my department and immediately knew it was a fantastic opportunity. I look forward to furthering myself in the professional world while also help to shape the future of higher education for the better with PSAB.
