DMU Prayer Room Frontrunner Review

As part of my Frontrunner role at DMU, I worked within the Prayer Room team to help support the smooth running and organisation of the space. My day-to-day responsibilities included ensuring the prayer facilities were well-maintained, coordinating student access, and promoting a respectful and inclusive environment for all users. I also helped manage the Prayer Room’s social media presence by creating and sharing updates, reminders, and event information to engage students and keep them informed. This required clear communication, creativity, and an understanding of how to represent the space positively online. Additionally, I collaborated with staff and other Frontrunners to plan activities and address any issues that arose, ensuring the space remained welcoming and functional for everyone.

Yes, I was given a good level of responsibility during this placement. I was trusted to take initiative in managing daily tasks, handling student queries, and supporting with problem-solving when challenges occurred. Managing the Prayer Room’s social media accounts also gave me responsibility for maintaining a professional online presence, which helped strengthen my digital communication and organisational skills. This experience allowed me to build confidence in leadership, teamwork, and decision-making while developing skills that are transferable to my future professional practice.

During my Frontrunner role, I developed a range of both new and existing skills. I strengthened my leadership and teamwork abilities by coordinating tasks with other Frontrunners and ensuring the Prayer Room ran smoothly. I also enhanced my communication skills, particularly in interacting with a diverse group of students and staff, ensuring that any issues were addressed respectfully and efficiently.
Managing the Prayer Room’s social media accounts helped me develop new digital communication and marketing skills, including creating engaging posts, maintaining a professional tone online, and using social media strategically to increase student engagement. Additionally, I improved my time management and problem-solving skills by balancing multiple responsibilities and responding quickly to unexpected challenges.
Overall, this experience helped me become more confident, organised, and proactive — qualities that will be valuable in both my professional and academic development.

I received great support and guidance from my supervisor, the Imam. He was approachable and always available when I needed advice or clarification. While I was trusted to manage my own tasks, he regularly checked in, offered feedback, and guided me on how to handle different situations effectively.

The atmosphere in the Prayer Room team was very positive, supportive, and respectful. Everyone worked well together and there was a strong sense of community. The Imam and staff encouraged open communication, teamwork, and mutual respect, which made it an enjoyable and welcoming environment to be part of.

I really enjoyed my Frontrunner placement. It was a rewarding experience that allowed me to develop new skills, work closely with the Imam and other students, and contribute to creating a positive environment in the Prayer Room. The role was both meaningful and enjoyable, and I felt valued as part of the team.

Yes