February 3, 2023, by Matthew Lumley
Five Advantages of applying to our Award prizes
By Matthew Lumley, Nottingham Advantage Award Coordinator
Each year we recognise students who have gone above and beyond during their time with the Advantage Award. Our prizes reward areas such as personal development, inclusion and work in the community. These are also supported by employers Boots, Capital One, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Mars and Save the Children.
Applications are now open. Therefore, if you have passed or are due to pass at least two Advantage Award modules by the end of February, here’s why you should apply:
Recognition from a global brand
Being successful in a competitive job market often means you need to stand out from the crowd. Many of you work hard on your modules and these prizes allow you to get extra recognition for your efforts. They are endorsed by globally-recognised brands, which shows quality and prestige. In the fast-paced recruitment process seeing a name such as Boots or Mars on your CV or application could grab an employer’s attention and encourage them to read more.
Insight into the graduate recruitment process
In order to attain a prize, you need to complete an online application form and if you’re shortlisted, attend an interview. Any practice that can prepare you for the job market can only be an Advantage. The application process encourages you to reflect on your skills, strengths, weaknesses, how you overcome obstacles and your greatest achievements. These are all questions you’re likely to face when applying for jobs.
If you get through to the second part of the application process, you will experience an interview conducted by our team and an employer representative. They will provide you with detailed feedback on your performance and things to improve. What better way to get a head start on your entry into the graduate job market?
Get connected
During the interviews you will be able to meet a representative from the employer. Sometimes ‘who you know’ helps and this is a great opportunity to develop your connections. Why not come prepared with some questions? You could get advice about what experience you need to work in a particular sector, where to get it, and who might be useful in which to get in touch.
Showcase your achievement
All highly commended and prize-winning students are featured on our prize winners webpages. On the pages we display your photo and a quote from you about winning the prize. You can share this link with employers and on sites such as LinkedIn. Increasing your online presence can be extremely valuable.
Win an actual prize
In addition to the experiences and recognition described above, let’s not forget you do get an actual prize. Everyone who makes it to the interview stage gets a certificate – either shortlisted, highly commended or winner – branded by both the employer and the University.
On top of the certificate, winners could also receive either a voucher that can be used to support your professional development, invest in an entrepreneurial idea, or to just splash out on that new album.
Alternatively, an employer may offer an insight opportunity allowing you to connect with company employees. You can gain invaluable experience or it could even lead to a role in that organisation.
Interested? Find out more and apply here.
Book onto one of our prize information sessions below:
The application deadline is Tuesday 28 February 2023.
Contact and Follow us
You can keep up-to-date on the Nottingham Advantage Award via social media, so please like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Want to speak to one of the Award team then please book an appointment contact us at nottingham-advantage-award@nottingham.ac.uk
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