Why Can’t We Engage Students? Getting to the root of the student engagement crisis with Libby Anson (Glasgow School of Art) and Mhairi Threlfall (Uni of the West of England)
Freelancers: Next Gen with Matt Dowling
Release Date: 11/22/2024
Why Can’t We Engage Students? Getting to the root of the student engagement crisis with Libby Anson (Glasgow School of Art) and Mhairi Threlfall (Uni of the West of England)
Freelancers: Next Gen with Matt Dowling
Here at Freelancer Club, we frequently have conversations with universities, and a common theme has emerged—the growing challenge of student engagement. Whether it’s low attendance at extracurricular activities, a feeling of disconnect from the academic environment, or a general lack of enthusiasm for the university experience, this issue is becoming more prevalent. While some attribute it to COVID, the cost of living, mental health or a generational shift in priorities, others believe there’s something deeper going on. Today, we’re diving into the student engagement crisis with our...
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Freelancing Through University with Graduates Manaz Javaid and Elijah McDonnell
Freelancers: Next Gen with Matt Dowling
In today’s episode, we share the journeys of two emerging freelancers, Manaz Javaid and Elijah McDonnell, whom we had the pleasure of working with during separate programmes at Anglia Ruskin University and the University of Westminster respectively. We explore what motivated them to join a freelance programme, their initial expectations, and the key insights they've gained from the experience. We also delve into the value of building connections with fellow participants and how universities can foster these relationships. Listen as these ambitious solopreneurs discuss how freelance...
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Debunking the Myth: Creatives in Business Don't Mix with Alison Lowe MBE (University of East London)
Freelancers: Next Gen with Matt Dowling
In this episode of Freelancers: Next Gen, we sit down with the formidable Director of Careers and Enterprise for the School of Arts and Creative Industries at the University of East London, a renowned educator, and an influential force in the world of creative business, Alison Lowe MBE. We explore the challenges faced by creative freelancers, the role of educators in the creative field, the value of unconventional thinkers, and how educators can better prepare future freelancers. Additionally, we delve into the entrepreneurial spirit that fuels innovation. References mentioned in this...
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Freelancing in Enterprise - Live @ IEEC Belfast with Francesca Morelli (Queen's University Belfast)
Freelancers: Next Gen with Matt Dowling
Recorded live at the IEEC (International Enterprise Educators Conference) in Belfast as part of our Education mini-series, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Francesca Morelli. Francesca is an Enterprise Support Officer at Queens University Belfast and the co-founder of VAVA, an influencer marketing agency making waves in the industry. In this episode, we delve into the value of attending events like the IEEC, the challenges enterprise teams and students face in today’s entrepreneurial landscape, and how we can better support students eager to launch their side hustle or business. Plus,...
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Dissecting Freelance Behaviour (and other random musings) with Professor Dan Ariely
Freelancers: Next Gen with Matt Dowling
Dan Ariely is a three-time New York Times Bestselling Author and a leading figure in the fields of Psychology and Behavioral Economics. One of his great strengths is how he unravels the complexities of human behaviour, explaining why we make the decisions we do and how we can make better ones. With a rich background that includes collaborations with global giants like Google and Apple, TED and the World Economic Forum, as well as advising governments worldwide, we were keen to get Dan's thoughts on freelancing. We discuss the role of playfulness, the freelance psyche, making time to think,...
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A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats with the Founder of Freelancer Magazine, Sophie Cross
Freelancers: Next Gen with Matt Dowling
I stumbled across the Freelancer Magazine in highly unusual circumstances but when I did, I was absolutely thrilled to see that someone had decided to celebrate the works of solopreneurs and spotlight self-employed stories. Sophie Cross launched Freelancer Magazine three years ago and the publication continues to thrive. They boast growing community of readers, online and offline (yes, there's a print version!) and contribute to the way we all view freelancing. In this episode, we talk about our relationship with the term ‘freelancer’, virtual co-working, how to engage a...
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Mental Health and The Modern Student Experience with Louise Lyons-Appiah
Freelancers: Next Gen with Matt Dowling
I first met Louise when she reached out for a meeting and laid bare her story. At just 20 years old, she co-founded BreatheUni with her brother, an initiative that creates non-judgemental spaces for students looking to learn about mental health, equality, diversity and inclusion. Sessions were held with peers who are Mental Health First Aiders who can signpost relevant information and resources. In this episode, we discuss: Louise's battle with imposter syndrome, racial trauma, and gender inequality The student experience today The importance of language and support systems The power of...
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Do Freelancers In The UK Need More Legal Protections? Talking Legislation With Rafael Espinal Of Freelancers Union
Freelancers: Next Gen with Matt Dowling
Rafael Espinal is the Executive Director of the Freelancers Union, a non-profit organisation serving as a support system for independents, based in New York. Rafael oversees the organisation's umbrella and brings his wealth of experience and dedication to advocacy to support and champion the rights of freelancers and independent workers. Before joining Freelancers Union, Rafael played a pivotal role in actioning the Freelance Isn't Free bill. In this episode of Freelancers: Next Gen, we discuss the blurred lines between post-pandemic working options and the allure of freelancing, how...
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Where Are We Going, Anyway? Exploring the Freelance Way with Robert Vlach
Freelancers: Next Gen with Matt Dowling
It's rare to sit down with a person who is equally as obsessed with freelancing and delve deep into topics that have consumed you for years. This is one of those moments. Our conversation traversed from the teachability of business to the significance of language, the pros and cons of AI, and the future landscape of freelancing. Although we aim to keep each episode consice, there were too many juicy morcels that we had to keep them in and release a longer episode than normal. is a leading expert on freelance entrepreneurship and a senior business consultant specialising in supporting...
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"It's Not One-Size-Fits All". From 9 - 5 To Freelance Extraordinaire with Helen Hill
Freelancers: Next Gen with Matt Dowling
On this episode, I had the opportunity to sit down with Helen Hill, a remarkable individual whose journey is a testament to resilience, resourcefulness, and a touch of unexpected brilliance. Battling two chronic health conditions, anxiety, depression, and panic attacks, my guest’s mornings often started with tears at the foot of her bed and physical and emotional exhaustion so acute that it led to her to fall asleep behind the wheel, more than once. Navigating a landscape where mental health struggles were met with scepticism from her own team, she found herself ensnared in a...
info_outlineHere at Freelancer Club, we frequently have conversations with universities, and a common theme has emerged—the growing challenge of student engagement.
Whether it’s low attendance at extracurricular activities, a feeling of disconnect from the academic environment, or a general lack of enthusiasm for the university experience, this issue is becoming more prevalent.
While some attribute it to COVID, the cost of living, mental health or a generational shift in priorities, others believe there’s something deeper going on. Today, we’re diving into the student engagement crisis with our guests, Mhairi Threlfall, Enterprise Consultant at UWE Bristol and Libby Anson, Student Employment and Enterprise Manager at the Glasgow School of Art.
We’ll explore the dramatic shift in the student experience over the past decade, why universities need to adapt, and the role of innovative communication strategies, hybrid delivery, and fresh solutions to these modern challenges.