When working as global community coordinator for the University of Edinburgh’s international engagement team, I wrote about how to help international students with transitions to a new university for an institutional blog called Teaching Matters. This led to a personal and professional transformative journey that I could not have imagined back in 2020.
I did not consider myself an “expert” on student transitions but drew on my work organising the international student orientation programme, spent time researching the topic and reached out to colleagues to get their thoughts. Working on the article was fun and made me aware how much I did know.
In August 2021, I was approached by a Campus editor asking if I could adapt the blog for their platform. I didn’t hesitate to say “yes”, knowing THE to be a respected higher education media company. Contributing to Campus and engaging in conversations with colleagues across UK and internationally meant a lot to me.
The Campus editor was clear about content requirements and provided guidance on translating my experience into succinct practical advice. August, just before students arrive for a new academic year, is a busy period but they were flexible and accommodating with deadlines. They even suggested splitting the piece and publishing two stand-alone pieces.
When the posts went public, senior management and colleagues picked up the news through social media. Many reached out to congratulate me or to enquire about my experience blogging for Campus. Following this, I developed more “how-to” information resources for students transitioning to a UK university, building confidence as a content creator and an online facilitator.
This culminated, in spring 2022, in a successful application for the role of online learning and leadership coordinator with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme at the University of Edinburgh. I now lead and deliver student development activities with a special focus on scholars learning online and on the digital components of the program.
I source a lot of practical advice from Campus for my new role. Sharing my expertise internationally and encouraging students to find their own voice and make it heard across different online platforms is now a core part of my job.
Inga Ackermann is online learning and leadership co-ordinator on the Mastercard Scholars Foundation Program at the University of Edinburgh.