August 6, 2024, by Jackie Thompson
Reflect on your year and unlock your leadership potential
By Amrina Kaur, Employability Officer, Careers team
Missed our recent Future Leaders event? No worries! Here are key takeaway learning points that you can use straight away, and experiences of the day shared by Mehr, a MSc Economic Development and Policy Analysis student, and Alexandre, an MSc Drug Discovery student.
What was Future Leaders?
The Future Leaders event connected students with graduates, explored self-leadership, growth mindsets, professional networks, and provided insight from alumni on starting your career. It was targeted at students who want to be a future leader, regardless of their year of study, however, those who are graduating soon may find it particularly useful.
What were the key learning points?
Self-leadership
Self-awareness and the capacity to use it to lead by example are among the most important leadership traits. Developing these self-leadership skills benefits both your personal and professional life.
Strengths
Understanding your strengths helps in deciding what career would suit you best. Use the free starter Strength’s profile questionnaire to identify what energises you.
Mindset magic
When exploring mindset, consider growth, agile and inclusive mindsets. Why not start with an initial overview of these mindsets to help you explore?
Building a professional network
Creating an online presence is key when applying for your next steps after university and beyond. Use the quick start guide to maximising both offline and online networks, including LinkedIn tips.
Managing your money as you move from university to employment
Learn about managing your money after graduation with our Finance and Funding team’s new Moodle module on effective budgeting.
Your alumni community
Learn from recent alumni with the Alumni Relations team’s on-demand content library, offering skill development and industry insights.
What was your overall experience?
Mehr: A wonderful experience that provided in-depth knowledge about leadership styles and emphasised the importance of playing to one’s strengths.
Alexandre: It was enriching to learn about different paths towards leadership and management; essential for young professionals.
What did you learn that you could use within the workplace?
Mehr: Grounding techniques, ways to handle stress, and an understanding of breaking tasks into manageable chunks.
Alexandre: Improving leadership skills, understanding when to lead from the front or push from the back and motivating others to step up. Also, finding the right people that have similar aspirations can help me drive progress.
What was your favourite part of the day?
Mehr: Learning about what leadership means for others, and the importance of networking and understanding diverse perspectives.
What have you learnt about yourself?
Mehr: Knowing my growth mindset category has helped me find ways to enhance it. I felt better knowing there are many students trying to find their path and it is okay to go at your own pace.
Alexandre: I am already driving a lot of change, compared to a lot of other people. I should feel a little proud of how far I have come and the impact I created.
What’s your top tip for aspiring future leaders?
Mehr: Don’t be afraid to be you, be patient, be diligent and appreciative about who you are!
Alexandre: Talk to people, look for the discussions. Awkward at first, you will find amazing people and gain valuable resources if you reach out to people. Also, people have a lot of potential, make them realise it!
If you’re looking to develop your skills, talk to a member of our team about the ways you can enhance your employability and move forward with your career journey. Want to dip your toe into the world of careers? Check out our online careers guide, begin!
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