Clodagh O'Dwyer
IMS Media, Marketing and Communications Coordinator AU Gaelic Football Welfare and Diversity Representative
Clodagh has been in a range of roles across Loughborough Sport, including take lead on Media, Marketing, and Communications for the Intramural Sport Programme this year. She has demonstrated exceptional skills in her role and contributed to improving the quality of experience of over 3000 students involved in IMS.
Tell us a bit about yourself (what you do now, current job, career pathway, interests, background etc.)
I moved to England to study at Loughborough in 2022 originally from Dublin, Ireland. My hobbies include sport, I have been a part of the AU Volleyball and Gaelic Football teams and IMS basketball team in first and second year. I am also really interested in photography and videography so I have enjoyed combining the 2 in second year both within my course and through the CVA.
How did you first get involved in volunteering within sport at Loughborough?
I first got involved within volunteering by umpiring the IMS volleyball fixtures in first year through the AU volleyball club
During your time at Loughborough, what volunteering roles did you get involved with?
During my first 2 years at Loughborough I have been involved in the IMS programme as the MMC Coordinator and the AU Gaelic Football committee as the Welfare and Diversity Representative.
What has your experience volunteering been like whilst at Loughborough?
I have really enjoyed volunteering at Loughborough so far from the experiences I have gained in an environment that has been so supportive. I have been able to meet a lot of people with similar interests which has been really nice and through that I have made lots of good memories some of which have been key highlights of my university experience.
How has being involved with Loughborough Sport helped you develop and progress (personally and professionally)?
Especially in my MMC role I have been able to gain hands on experience that I wouldn’t have been able to have without the CVA. My course is heavily theory based so I have enjoyed the practical side that has come with the IMS MMC role. I have gained a lot of confidence through working with a range of different people forcing myself out of my comfort zone and improving my public speaking skills. Also, by taking on multiple roles within the CVA I have had to work on my time management and organizational skills to balance my academics and sports commitments. I heavily used my roles in second year while applying for placements and they have been a huge advantage in interviews to back up my skills with evidence.
What’s the best advice you could give to a Loughborough student looking to get involved in volunteering & gain the most out of their university experiences?
I would say if you were interested or intrigued by an opportunity within the CVA like sport or hall committees to just go for it and apply because it is a great way to meet people with similar interests and gain lots of different skills, so take every opportunity you can. Other than making memories it’s an amazing chance to gain experience whilst at university that you can use for future internships or jobs. I don’t know any other universities with so many volunteering opportunities so take advantage of what Loughborough has to offer.
Finally, what did you enjoy most about volunteering?
What I enjoy most about volunteering is seeing the event or project come together and the feeling of achievement afterwards that you have contributed to the community or other people’s university experience.
Feeling Inspired?
Feeling inspired by Clodagh's experience? Check out the CVA Portal regularly for opportunities like her's.