Meet the Student Callers
The success of the Queen’s Annual Fund lies with both our donors and of course, our student callers. You may recognise some of these names and now be able to put a face to them!
Anna Decatur - MA in Irish History
As an undergraduate in the States, I was a student caller and was surprised to find I absolutely loved it—so much so in fact, that I continue to volunteer fundraise for my college. When I arrived at Queen’s, I thought it would be grand to continue the tradition (plus I needed a job!) My fellow callers are fantastic, and I love speaking to people about their experience at Queen’s, whether it was just a few years ago or 40 years ago. I learn something new about the University every night!
Catherine Maguire - 2nd Year Law
I get to meet a lot of new people that I otherwise would probably never have known. It's great craic and pretty light hearted work. I probably will never get the chance to have such an easy going atmosphere in the work place ever again. I enjoy talking to graduates who did the same degree as myself, but when times were very different. It's great being able to get their take on university and how their degree has helped them in their careers.
Charlotte Jessopp - 2nd Year in Social Anthropology
It is great to have an opportunity to talk to graduates of your degree. They can let you know what's in store in the following semesters, tell you about the post-graduation recruitment process and how they themselves got on directly after university as well as an overall insight into their careers long term. It gives you a great head start if you're able to pick up a few contacts and all in all it's just a bit of a gossip.
Claire Scullion - 3rd year Physics
I decided to apply for the post as student caller as it seemed like a good way to meet new people. I find it interesting to talk to graduates and find out how they made use of their degree. It is amazing how many different paths are taken by the graduates. I also find it satisfying to be involved in such a worthy scheme which contributes to so many different aspects of the student life.
Emma McAlister - Final Year in Modern History
I became a student caller because I had worked for Queens before and know that they are good employers who respect your study commitments. As well as this, the hours suited me as a student as we work in the evenings. The rate of pay is also very good! I have gained valuable communication skills from talking to graduates on the phone. Having these skills and the fact that I have been trained by Queens to work on the phone is really great to have on my C.V. It was certainly a contributing factor to for me obtaining a part time job selling designer products because I was able to talk about my student caller job in the interview.
Lauren Murton - Final Year in Common and Civil Law with French
As a final year student it is great to talk to other law graduates to get ideas and feedback on my future career. I have found the advice given to me by graduates beneficial to my own career path. I believe that the Queen's Annual Fund has a real impact on students and is a valuable resource within the University. Having personally benefitted from the Queen's Annua Fund, I believe that it's a great cause to support.
Lizzy Graham - 2nd Year in Physics
I became a student caller because it sounded like it would be good fun and interesting. I am a very outgoing chatty person so it seemed like the perfect job and I am very glad I applied. I really enjoy chatting to the graduates, especially the ones who have done physics, it is very interesting hearing about everything they have done since they got their degree. I have gained a lot of advice about what I should do to get the most out of my degree, and also about what I can achieve after I graduate.
Mary Teresa Madders - MA in English and Modern Literary Studies
I believe in the Queen's Annual Fund because all the money raised goes back to the students and all the projects it supports help in giving students the chance to do things they wouldn’t normally be able to do, like acting in a play with the Players, debating at a Moot competition or writing for the Gown newspaper. More importantly, it provides opportunities which we may not be able to afford, by raising money for scholarships which are given to undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Michael Duffin - 3rd Yr in History and Social Anthropology
I think the Queen's Annual Fund is truly beneficial for the student body here at Queen's. Without the support it gives, a lot of clubs and societies wouldn’t exist. It gives students a chance to experience something out of the classroom setting and these extracurricular activities are what more and more employers are looking for on applications. For myself personally, the craic I’ve had surfing for the first time and writing for a student publication, wouldn’t have been possible without the Queen's Annual Fund.
