Next Gen Student Spotlight – Preethi’s Journey as a Student Admissions & Wellbeing Advisor

Introduction
Meet Preethi Venkateshwaran, a third-year BSc Clinical and Community Psychology student at the University of East London (UEL). Originally from India, Preethi wears multiple hats: she’s a Library Assistant and Student Ambassador at UEL, and she’s also a Student Admissions & Wellbeing Advisor at Next Gen. In this spotlight, Preethi shares why she joined Next Gen, how the role has shaped her personally and professionally, and what advice she has for fellow students aiming to balance their studies with meaningful work.

Why Preethi Joined Next Gen

“As a third-year student, I was looking for real-world experience where I could support others while developing practical skills,” Preethi explains. She joined Next Gen because it felt like a space where she could grow professionally and help other international students like herself. “It also gave me a chance to apply the things I was learning—especially around wellbeing and communication—in an actual work setting.”

Personal and Professional Growth

Working at Next Gen has provided Preethi with a range of hands-on experiences:

One-to-One Communication: She’s become confident in listening actively, identifying student needs, and offering tailored support plans.
Support Planning & Information Management: Handling sensitive information has taught her to balance confidentiality with effective follow-up.
Connecting Theory to Practice: As a psychology student, Preethi found it especially meaningful to witness the emotional side of transitions for international peers. “Seeing theory come to life in real conversations has been incredibly rewarding.”

“Personally, it helped me trust my instincts more and develop a calm, focused approach to supporting others.”

Support from Next Gen

Preethi emphasizes the collaborative environment at Next Gen. “I’ve had the space to take initiative, share my ideas, and grow through experience.” She describes the team as a “safe space” where everyone is encouraged to ask questions and learn together. While acknowledging there is always room for improvement, she notes that the sense of community—supporting each other through problem-solving—has been invaluable.

Proudest Moment & Biggest Takeaway

Preethi’s proudest moment came when she recognized signs of burnout in a colleague and put her wellbeing training into action:

“I created a calm space to check in, used active listening, and applied what I’ve learned about stress and emotional regulation to support them in a way that felt safe and constructive. It showed me how theory translates into real impact and how small, intentional actions can make a big difference in workplace wellbeing.”

This experience reinforced her belief that even small gestures of empathy can profoundly affect someone’s day—and confirmed that her studies in psychology are directly relevant to her role at Next Gen.

Advice for Fellow Students

Balancing academic commitments with part-time roles can be challenging, but Preethi offers this advice:

Speak Up Early: “A big lesson for me has been learning to speak up before I feel fully confident. You don’t need to have all the answers to share your ideas or ask questions—most people are figuring it out as they go.”
Your Voice Matters: “Even if it shakes a little, your perspective is valuable. The earlier you start using it, the stronger it becomes.”
Connect Theory with Practice: “As a psychology student, I find it rewarding to apply classroom concepts to real-world scenarios. Look for roles that align with your studies—it makes learning more meaningful.”

Conclusion

Preethi’s journey at Next Gen highlights how a supportive environment and practical responsibilities can accelerate both personal and professional growth. By taking initiative, applying her wellbeing training, and speaking up early, she has made a tangible impact on her peers—and gained confidence in her own abilities. If you’re a student looking to grow your career while studying, take Preethi’s advice: step outside your comfort zone, trust your instincts, and remember that even small actions can create lasting change.