Rosa Grainger joined the Law School team two weeks ago, taking up the new position of Student Activities Officer. The position was introduced to increase the support we can offer students and Rosa will become their first point of call for all employability related activities. She will also be co-ordinating activities across alumni, student societies and the Law School. In this Q&A Rosa talks about the role, her first impressions of the Law School and Bristol – and how much she is looking forward to getting to know our students.

The role of Student Activities Officer is a new one? What does it mean for students?

The role is an exciting addition to the Undergraduate Student team in which, hopefully I will be able to provide extra support for any students who are involved with events such as mooting, debating competitions, law firm presentations and more! I will also be the first point of contact for Employability related queries which includes the distinguished alumni lecture series. I’m hoping that students will find it useful to have a named contact to go to for any event related questions.

What element of the role are you most looking forward to exploring?

To be honest, I am looking forward to exploring all aspects of the role as Law is a new field for me, but I am particularly keen to get to know the students and build up great working relationships.

How long have you been in the role and what's your first impressions of the Law School?

I have been in the role now for two weeks so it is still very new, but in that time I have already met a lot of staff across the School and in the Careers Service who have all made me feel very welcome. Great first impressions – and an amazing building to work in too!

You've moved to Bristol recently. What do you think of the city?

So far, the thing that has struck me the most is how friendly everyone is. Bristol has so much going on; getting to know the city is a really exciting prospect... plus the food is excellent.

Previously you worked as a Business Adviser at Nottingham Trent University. How will your experience there benefit students here? 

My previous role involved a lot of event management, plus liaison with multiple employers, academics and students, negotiating plans and ideas. Although I was working in the Science sector, I believe that these skills will transfer nicely to the aspects of my new role in the Law School to assist students with their events and potentially their contact with external stakeholders.

What is the first thing you and Clair will be implementing to support students? 

One of the initial plans is to create a comprehensive calendar of events, to include all details of events from the UBLC, The Bar Soc, The Pro-Bono Soc and Lawyers without Borders, plus sessions led by the Careers Service and from the Law School. Hopefully, having an all-encompassing resource will be a great benefit for students so they know exactly what is being offered throughout the academic year.