5 reasons to become a peer supporter

As a peer supporter, you will be helping and advising less experienced students.

Here are five reasons to become a peer supporter.

1. Develop skills for your CV

As a peer supporter, you’ll develop a wide range of highly transferable and sought-after skills. Serving in these roles can help you build and diversify your CV, gain valuable work-relevant experience, and develop your skillset.

I’ve used [my experience as a peer mentor] in interviews for examples of organisational skills, emotional intelligence, communication and interpersonal skills.

2. Build connections and grow your community

Peer support programmes are a great way of helping you feel more part of your university community. You can be inspired by and inspire your peers, connect with students you otherwise might not get to meet across study levels and programmes and expand your network.

3. Develop your confidence and leadership

Peer support roles come with responsibilities that can help you build your confidence and sense of leadership. Responding to peer questions, talking through and explaining things, sharing your experience and offering advice will improve your 

4. Reflect on your own studies and university journey

Thinking back over your own experiences and educational journey grants you with valuable opportunities to revisit and consolidate learnings. You can deepen self-awareness in a way that can help you both now and into the future.

It helped me reflect on what really helps me academically.

5. Feel good by helping others

In a peer supporter role, you can gain a sense of reward from “giving back,” “paying it forward” and supporting the development and confidence of fellow students.