September 18, 2018, by Matthew Lumley

Shape the Award: Become a Student Rep

Contributions by Amy Ryder, Student Rep 2016/17

Our Advantage Award Steering Group is looking for keen students to join and act as the voice of the student community. You can have an active role in shaping the Award, gain an insight into the inner workings of the scheme and get volunteering experience.

You can find out more and how to apply here. Applications close on Wednesday 24 October.

We asked Amy Ryder, one our reps from the 2016/17, to tell you the advantages of joining our Steering Group.

Why did you apply?

I completed the Award at the end of my third year and was looking for something to do in my final year. The Steering Group seemed like an interesting opportunity to experience the Award from the other side. This also allowed me to get involved in activities alongside my studies to support my job applications.

How was the experience?

Completing the Award really helped me in the job application process. It gave me careers skills, interview tips and helped with CV writing. The Capital One module let me explore a different field to my studies. This insight led me to choosing a new career path as I am now completing a graduate scheme in Data Analytics.

The opportunity to explore different fields is very helpful. It provides you with different examples to use at interview and supports your applications – especially to jobs that are not directly connected to your degree subject.

As part of the Steering Group, the main skill I developed was communication through speaking to a variety of students. The conference meetings also allowed me to network with new people such as professors, directors and Award staff – even on our Ningbo and Malaysia campuses.

Any advice you would give to students

For the applications and interviews think carefully about your experiences on the Award. What did you find worked well or you thought needed improving? The scheme is focused on its students. If you think something could be made better then this role gives you the opportunity to get involved to come up with a solution.

When in the role, my advice is to talk to your peers. You will have completed up to three Award modules, but there are hundreds of others from which students can choose. To get the best understanding of these modules you have to talk to other students who have completed them.

So in summary, why should you apply? It’s a brilliant thing to put on your CV and draw upon in interviews. The Steering Group meets three times a year so it’s easy to fit it around your studies. It’s a great opportunity to meet new people from different Schools and courses.

Interested? Apply to become an Advantage Award Student Rep now.

Applications close on Wednesday 24 October.

If you want to speak to one of the Award team then please contact us at nottingham-advantage-award@nottingham.ac.uk

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