Emily Copperthwaite

Baines Tea Room, Uppingham – Bakery Assistant and Waitress                                          (August 2012 – Present)

My duties include setting up window and counter displays, dealing with customer orders, serving, and selling items and performing cashier duties. I also assist in the bakehouse, where I weigh and measure ingredients for the preparation of baked goods, monitor baking times, prepare icings and toppings, and visually inspect items to make sure that quality is maintained in all products. From August 2012 – August 2013 I helped to manage a busy tearoom ensuring a high level of customer satisfaction with a time efficient and well operated service. I organised bookings over the phone for large groups of people and was responsible for managing stock levels and updating sales records. Furthermore, I demonstrated an awareness for detail when having to memorise all features of the menu including specialties and when presenting food in an elegant and aesthetically pleasing manner.

StreetDoctors – Volunteer Trainer                                                                                              (October 2019 – Present)

During my spare time at medical school, I volunteer for a national charity called StreetDoctors, which has given me experience in teaching skills to children and young individuals. This involves teaching young people who are directly affected by violence emergency first aid skills, such as CPR, what to do if someone is bleeding heavily and how to call an ambulance. We work in partnership with criminal justice services, schools, pupil referral units and community groups to give vulnerable individuals the skills to save lives and the knowledge to keep themselves and others safe. It is crucial to be able to engage young people by being enthusiastic and encouraging, as well as making learning experiences active and varied. As a volunteer I have learnt a variety of teaching and communication skills from young people that I can take into my clinical practice to make me a better healthcare professional. 

The White Horse, Empingham – Front of House Staff/ Waitress                                       (April 2019 – December 2019)

My main role was to serve food to customers and ensure an enjoyable and comfortable dining experience. I was required to maintain an up-to-date working knowledge of the menu items and daily specials so I could meet special customer demands and provide detailed information to guests, such as where the food was sourced, the ingredients in each of the dishes and advise any customers with allergies. I would maintain the table settings by clearing courses as completed, replacing utensils, refreshing water glasses, refilling glasses, and cleaning the tables, silverware, and glasses after each service. I would process payments with the cash register and provide responsible service of alcoholic beverages when working behind the bar. The pub was also a bed and breakfast, so my role also included setting up reservations and cancellations and recording the information on computer.

Oxford Summer Courses – Student Helper                                                                             (June 2018 – July 2018) 

As a Student Helper you are an essential team member looking after students aged between 9-12 attending our residential courses at a British boarding school. My primary role was to be responsible for generating and maintaining an atmosphere of enthusiasm, curiosity, and enjoyment of the courses, as well as being a barometer of and responding to the mood of my students and the group as a whole. I provided positive, friendly, and helpful support to all staff and students. I was responsible for supporting the Assistant Course Director/House Parent in the smooth delivery of the course, taking students for group meals and trips, leading them in activities, and making sure they are on time and in attendance at their teaching sessions. I was also responsible for ensuring the safety, welfare, safeguarding, and discipline of the students. Many of the students were international and travelled far from home, often for the first time, and it was essential that I made them feel welcomed and free to ask for help if they need to. 

Leicester Children’s Hospital - Healthcare Assistant                                                     (June 2016 - September 2017)

I monitored patients’ conditions, recorded vital observations, and escorted patients to appointments and diagnostic tests around the hospital. I also helped with basic care and daily tasks, such as washing, dressing, and feeding. I assisted doctors and nurses with clinical duties such as inserting cannulas, changing dressings, as well as more invasive procedures. It was my responsibility to promote an optimistic environment and to ensure that a patient’s family and friends were made welcome.

Queen’s Medical Centre, Ward B26, Geriatric Medicine - Volunteer                                      (April 2014 – June 2016)

My duties included helping with mealtimes, serving refreshments, assisting patients to mobilise safely, and providing them with company by spending time to talk to them or by playing games. The experience taught me the importance of promoting patient independence, for example, alongside the wider nursing team, I would help patients to care for themselves by teaching the use of cane or walker, special utensils to eat and special techniques and equipment for personal hygiene. Providing and planning a routine with patients was crucial to help them maintain independence and quality of life. We would also help educate family members about patient’s condition and progressing level, as well as how to care for the patient. We would also provide advice on nutrition, cleanliness, and housekeeping. It was essential to build trusting relationships and a good report with patients and their family members to provide a stable support system. 

Rosehill School, Nottingham – Classroom Assistant and Assistant Music Teacher     (January 2015 - May 2015) 

Rosehill School is a school that provides day education for young people aged 4-19 with autism. During my time at Rosehill, I was able to lead class music lessons when the head of music was otherwise engaged. I was also responsible for finding ways to increase the number of musical opportunities available to the students. As well as contributing to the musical life of the school, I would provide support to students and encourage them to interact with others and engage in activities led by the Teacher. I would supervise and support students to ensure their safety and access to learning and facilitate students’ physical, emotional, and educational development. It was also my responsibility to establish and promote supportive and productive relationships with students: acting as a role model and being aware of, and responding appropriately to, individual needs.

The University of Nottingham – Student Ambassador                                                       (February 2014- June 2016)

On open days I ran tours of university buildings and interacted with and talked to large groups of people to help promote the music department and the university. I operated as an approachable student to whom others could seek reassurance and ask questions regarding the course, societies, or university life. I was commended for my dedication to encouraging the ambitions of both current and prospective students and helping them finds ways of achieving their goals.