September 18, 2019, by Matthew Lumley
Join the Game: Discover your strengths and make an Impact
For the past 10 years the Advantage Award has been welcoming new modules. Today we are celebrating the arrival of the Social Impact Game.
This module invites Social Sciences students to learn new skills by creating their own group Social Impact Project. Here we present why you should take part, how it works and how you can participate.
The dilemma – choosing your career
We all hope to find that ideal job – one that pays the bills, but also motivates us to get up in the morning.
You may still be asking yourself questions about your future career. What do I actually want to do? What am I good at? Did I choose the right degree?
As you consider your answers, you may be starting to worry if there is still enough time to make that decision.
Well joining the Social Impact Game might help. You can reflect on these questions whilst gaining valuable experience.
What is it?
In 2011, Gabriel Flores and Dr Phyllis SantaMaria formed Learning Without Borders empowering people to find fulfilment in their work by making a social impact. Their approach has been developed through working with professionals in the UK, USA, Europe and China.
After witnessing students – like some of you – struggle making careers decisions, the University’s own Dr Caroline Essex has teamed up with Gabriel and Phyllis to create the Social Impact Game.
They are here to help you discover your potential, improve your skills and run a project that impacts society.
Why join the game?
1. Learn about yourself
Before making any decision, sometimes it is best to go back to basics. Simply thinking about what is unique about you and what drives you can be a great place to start.
Through workshops and one-to-one coaching, the team will help you achieve this. They will look into your key strengths and the working environment that brings the best out of you.
This will guide you in choosing a project that will help you realise these strengths. The scheme will also encourage you to become more effective in your studies, at finding suitable work placements and ultimately in deciding on your career path.
2. Boost your CV
As you gain a better understanding of yourself, you will also be developing valuable skills and experience.
Project management
You will choose your project from a list offered by University departments, community organisations and enterprises in the Nottingham area. There is even an opportunity to use your creativity and initiative to come up with your own idea.
You will gain experience in planning, implementing and evaluating a project. There will also be a project advisor available if you need advice and support.
Teamwork
You will undertake your project in groups of three or four. The workshops will provide you with a framework to spot others’ strengths. This means you can assign roles to one another that will bring the best out of your team.
Communication
To create a cohesive team project you need good communication. As well as with your team, you will have meetings at the organisations with which you are collaborating. This will allow you to network with business professionals and gain experience of a real work environment.
At the end of the project, you will get the chance to present to a live audience. Presentations are an important part of many employment roles so the more opportunities you get to practise the better.
3. Make an impact
Hopefully you can now see the many advantages of participating. However, the most fulfilling aspect of the process is knowing that you are making a difference.
Not only will your work produce results, it will also improve the lives of others as well as your own.
In summary, the Social Impact Game empowers you to find your own career path whilst also making a significant difference to society.
So how can you take part?
Find out more and register your interest here. Deadline Friday 11 October.
You can keep up-to-date on the Nottingham Advantage Award via social media, so please like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
No comments yet, fill out a comment to be the first
Leave a Reply