Seven questions with Mitesh Vagadia

This week we put seven questions to Mitesh Vagadia, Student Funding Welfare Coordinator.

 

What does your role involve? 

I am a Student Funding Welfare Coordinator/Adviser. My post is a new addition within the Student Funding team. The main aim of my role is to offer students an opportunity to discuss any financial concerns or issues they may have during their time at UCL, in a confidential, one-to-one setting.

I advise, advocate and support students to manage or resolve their financial problems. This can involve basic financial management and budgeting to working with students to access all possible sources of funding.

As my role is new to UCL, I am always looking to promote the service I offer to students by organising events, such as the UCL National Student Money Week events (9-13 February 2015) or other student funding talks. 

I have created a UCL Financial Assistance webpage, which provides useful tools and guides on saving money, budgeting and accessing other sources of funding.

How long have you been at UCL? What was your previous role?

I joined the Student Funding team in June 2013, so not too long ago. I have been in post as Student Funding Welfare Coordinator/Adviser since December 2013.

I previously worked for Hertfordshire County Council's Virtual School. My role consisted of supporting, advising and advocating for care leaver students who attended university.This meant supporting students from the moment they decided they wanted to attend university until the day they graduated. The role was very demanding but fulfilling and rewarding at the same time. 

What working achievement or initiative are you most proud of?

In my current role, I meet students on a one-to-one basis to support any financial concerns they may have. It's always a great pleasure supporting students with their problems, and seeing how appreciative students can be is always a good feeling. 

In my previous role, I worked with a difficult, troubled and angry teenager who was released from prison after 18 months. I supported and believed in this individual and worked with him to help him achieve his Level 3 qualification, after which he progressed on to university.  It wasn't an easy five years for him but he graduated from university last year as a mature adult, which was a very proud moment for me.

Tell us about a project you are working on now which is top of your to-do list?

Definitely National Student Money Week (NSMW). This will be the second time UCL has held an event specifically for NSMW, so it has to be bigger and better than the first one. 

What was your first job straight out of university?

During my time at university, I worked at Asda supermarket and continued working there until I found a full-time job, six months after completing university. My first full-time job was working for BPP professional education as a customer service assistant. 

What is your favourite and least favourite thing about London?

My favourite thing about London is you will always find something new around every corner. My least favourite is the weather - if it was sunnier, I really believe London would be the best city to live or visit. So I try to make the most of our summer.

Who would be your dream dinner guests?

Raymond Blanc (to cook the meal), Will Ferrell and Zack Galifianakis (pure entertainment), Bob Marley, John Lennon and Bob Dylan (to provide the music), Eric Cantona, Ryan Giggs and Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United legends), Nelson Mandela (for that deep conversation after a few drinks) and my friends and family, so they can say they experienced the best dinner party ever.

What would it surprise people to know about you?

That I attended the Queen's Garden Party in May 2013.