Emily Stevens

I am currently a third year student at Cardiff University, working towards my degree in Journalism and Communications. I am self motivated and highly adaptable, having worked in both hospitality and retail, experiencing the demanding objectives of both sectors. My time at university means that I have developed my writing and research skills, making me an effective communicator both on paper and in person. With my previous roles being customer based, I understand that communication is vital to efficiency and positive environments amongst both team members and clients, overall enhancing the customer experience and boosting sales with attention to detail.

I also aspire for new opportunities, pushing myself out of my comfort zone, as with my previous job as a singing waitress, combining my love for music and finding a way to learn serving skills at the same time.

This aspiration also pushed me to experience volunteering opportunities, such as going to the favelas in Recife, Brazil, visiting disadvantaged members of the community and comprehending the cultural differences. Near the end of the previous academic year, I also contributed some articles to the student newspaper Gair Rhydd, where I practiced my editing skills and gained some experience in deadlines.

I went to Brazil to work with children in the Recife favelas, developing skills in teamwork and leadership, working together to make group meals and leading the english side of the music. Language barriers caused some difficulties at first, however communication skills, empathy and perseverance meant that eventually these difficulties lessened. Aiming to help out as much as possible, I repainted some of the accommodations at the base we were staying at and visited children on the street. We offered a distraction from their harsh realities offering games and and colouring. Seeing children affected by drug abuse and STDs, whilst experiencing the community tasks of cooking and cleaning for over 40 people opened my eyes to a different reality and gave me an understanding outside of my familiar territory.