My Experience as a Student Ambassador
By Olumuyiwa Isaac, student at the University of Greenwich and Purpose Coalition Student Ambassador
As a student ambassador for the Purpose Coalition Student Ambassador Programme, I had the opportunity to engage with the core values and 15 Purpose Goals that focus on breaking down barriers to opportunity. This experience opened my eyes to various social issues that prevent many individuals from accessing equal opportunities. We participated in surveys that allowed us to reflect on how these barriers personally affect us as students. We also identified the most pressing issues in society and explored ways to improve the situation.
The programme emphasised how these barriers not only impact individuals but an entire community. We frequently discussed the broader effects and possible solutions to curb these challenges. One of the great things about the programme was its accessibility—it was mostly conducted online through platforms like Teams or Zoom, making it easier for everyone to participate.
Olumuyiwa Isaac is a student at the University of Greenwich and Purpose Coalition Student Ambassador
A unique highlight was the reception event on the Terrace Pavillion at Parliament, where I had the chance to network with university executives, business leaders, and fellow ambassadors. This event also marked the first time I met the Vice Chancellor of the University of Greenwich. We had a meaningful conversation about the university and potential solutions to some of its pressing issues. Moreover, the event provided me with the opportunity to air my views on Breaking Down Barriers to Opportunity, which is the core theme of the programme.
The programme’s inclusion of executives from various organisations provided insights into how companies are addressing barriers to opportunity. We were informed that the results of our surveys had been shared with partner organisations, further amplifying our voices. This engagement also led to a valuable one-month internship opportunity at Southeastern Railway with two other participants, where I gained real-world experience and further developed skills that will undoubtedly help me in my future career.
Overall, the Purpose Coalition Student Ambassador Programme has been incredibly beneficial, not only for the immediate experiences but for my long-term career opportunities.
My Internship Experience at Southeastern Railway
During my one-month summer internship at Southeastern Railway, I had the opportunity to gain valuable insights into the railway industry while working on a range of exciting tasks. The experience began with an intern welcome at Southeastern's headquarters in London, where we were briefed on our internship schedule and given four potential research questions to choose from. I chose to focus on “How can Southeastern integrate energy-efficient technologies to reduce environmental impact and promote sustainability.” We were provided with two days each week to work from home and conduct research on our chosen topics.
One of the most memorable experiences was attending the "Pitch Day" event at Future Lab in Yorkshire, where we listened to innovative IT pitches aimed at improving the rail industry. We were given the chance to rate and vote on which solutions we believed would have the greatest impact.
Another highlight was visiting the East Kent Railway Trust in Shepherdswell, where we volunteered alongside Network Rail executives. This hands-on experience gave us the chance to contribute to the community and better understand the collaborative efforts within the rail industry.
As part of our corporate induction, we traveled to Ashford to be formally introduced to the Southeastern Railway family. We were trained on the organization's core values and the behaviors that are both acceptable and non-tolerable within the company. During our visit to London Bridge Station, we learned about the importance of observational safety in a railway environment and were shown key safety features, including fire exits and the mini-signal box.
We also had the opportunity to tour Southeastern’s engineering depot at Slade Green, where we were shown how the inventory and stock room operates, the train maintenance process, and a presentation on the various types of trains used by Southeastern.
The internship also provided valuable legal and environmental training. We received a session on the legal framework of Southeastern Railway and discussed sustainability practices aimed at achieving net-zero emissions. Visiting the Kent Internal Control Centre (KICC) gave us a deeper understanding of the operational alliance between Southeastern Railway and Network Rail.
Health and safety were key priorities during the internship, with comprehensive training provided at Ashford. We even had the unique opportunity to simulate driving a train and visit the signal box to learn about its operational processes.
One of the most remarkable aspects of working at Southeastern Railway was the strong sense of love and unity among the employees. Humility and respect were evident at every level of the organization, creating an environment where everyone, regardless of their position, felt valued. Employee safety was treated with the utmost importance, and this same energy was extended to us as interns. It made the experience truly memorable and gave us a deep appreciation for working in a corporate environment that values both people and safety.
The internship concluded with a presentation of our research tasks to Southeastern’s directors, where we received constructive feedback. We also discussed potential post-graduation employment opportunities, reflecting on both our experience and the programme’s impact.
This experience aligned perfectly with the Purpose Coalition Programme's goals of breaking down barriers, promoting inclusivity, and driving sustainability. Southeastern Railway exemplifies these values through its commitment to fostering a respectful, supportive work environment and advancing sustainability. During my internship, I observed how employees at all levels treated each other with kindness, which created a welcoming atmosphere for growth and collaboration.
Southeastern’s focus on sustainability was evident in my project on integrating energy-efficient technologies, highlighting their commitment to reducing environmental impact. We also had the opportunity to visit various departments within the organization, which allowed us to assess where we might fit best in case future job opportunities arise.
The lessons I gained during this internship reinforced the core values of the Purpose Coalition, particularly the importance of inclusivity and sustainability. These experiences will undoubtedly influence my future career as I work to contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable world.
