Featured student of the month - Aled John

Posted 9 February 2012

A monthly special featuring a current student from Harper Adams.

From fire marshalling to first aid, 23-year-old Aled John has thrown himself into the role of student warden at Harper Adams University College.

The final year student applied for the job to gain life skills and has found the experience both character building and a great way to be involved in campus life.

Aled from Llangynog, Wales, said: “Being a student warden has shown me how to manage my time better and form professional relationships.

“Really, it’s all about pastoral care - acting as a mentor and someone impartial to go to with problems.

“When students first arrive on campus, the warden team helps them to settle in and integrate with the other freshers.

“Beyond that we are trained in first aid, implement fire regulations, liaise with the domestic services and are on call should there be an emergency.

“Plus, it’s a great thing to have on your CV.”

Aled, who is working towards a degree in Agri-Business, has recently returned from a placement year working at McDonald’s Head Office in London. Post-graduation, he hopes to enter the beef processing industry.

He added: “The placement year showed me that there are a lot of opportunities in the food industry and room for progression. Although I come from a beef farm, I want to take a step into something slightly different.

“Having ‘Harper Adams’ on your CV is like gold – employers know that they are getting quality and that graduates will be willing to get stuck in and involved.

“I came here due to Harper’s reputation for fantastic job prospects and packed-out social calendars, and of course the placement opportunities and links with industry.

“It hasn’t disappointed!”

Aside from his life as a student warden for Boughey Hall on campus, Aled is also a scholar, student ambassador, active member of student society, Harper Cymru, part of the rugby 3rds team and was also the Student Union Treasurer during his second year.

He learnt this week that he has secured a job with Anglo Beef Processors (ABP) as a Graduate Production Trainee, on a two year programme.