October 17, 2024, by Leah Sharpe
Sustainability Challenge: insider tips and information
By Amrina Kaur, Employability Officer
Want an exclusive chance to implement sustainable ideas to our campuses? Keen to gain essential skills that can propel your career? If so, our Sustainability Challenge is for you!
Discover how you can contribute to a sustainable future and enhance your career prospects with our challenge. Read on to hear inspiring words from past participants and learn why you should apply for this impactful initiative.
What is the Sustainability Challenge?
The Sustainability Challenge provides you with the opportunity to:
– Engage with sustainability issues and implement new sustainable ideas for our campuses
– Work with students who have similar interests to you
– Build problem-solving, team working, pitching, and presentation skills
– Interact with graduate employers
– Gain experience to enhance your CV
We heard from Sayantan, a MSc Management student, and Sana, a MSc Human Computer Interaction student, about their experience and top tips.
What was your overall experience of the challenge?
Sayantan says:
Sayantan, MSc Management
“It was enriching and productive! Working with a diverse team allowed me to apply knowledge to practical scenarios, testing our resilience, creativity, and teamwork. It reinforced my commitment to sustainability and showed the importance of effective communication and strategic thinking.”
Sana says:
“It has been a journey of growth; enriching my understanding of sustainable solutions and strengthening my decision to pursue a sustainability career.”
What skills did you develop for future work experiences?
Sana, MSc Human Computer Interaction
Sayantan says:
“I improved my public speaking, learned to manage group dynamics, and enhanced my leadership skills”
Sana says:
“The pitching masterclass improved my persuasive communication, and collaborative brainstorming developed my teamwork, critical thinking, and analytical skills. Engaging with experts boosted my confidence and provided practical insights; skills valuable for any career.”
What was your favourite part of the challenge?
Sayantan says:
“The idea generation process as it involved on-ground experiments and stakeholder communication.”
Sana says:
“The collaborative brainstorming sessions – each team member shared valuable insights, and we explored approaches to promote sustainability. Witnessing our ideas evolve through shared knowledge and cooperation was inspiring!”
Top tips for those interested in the challenge:
Sayantan says:
“Exercise active listening, identify your weaknesses through feedback, and work on them. Be creative, open-minded, and embrace change.”
Sana says:
“Fully immerse yourself in the experience and leverage every opportunity for learning and collaboration.”
We asked Alison Clayton, Senior Environmental Officer in the Sustainability Team and our expert voice for her thoughts.
What is one important thing students can do to contribute to sustainability at UoN?
Use your voice. In all the ways you can: talk about sustainability with your friends, family and housemates, share ideas and thoughts. We’re more likely to change our behaviour when we see someone else doing it first. Tell the university (through whichever channels you have available) that you care about sustainability and what you want to see the university do to tackle environmental issues. Beyond the university, vote and campaign for issues you are passionate about.
Any advice you would give to students who are thinking about taking part in the challenge this year?
Achieving sustainability requires a culture change. Come with an open mind, ready to challenge the status quo and the way we do things. This is your chance to make a change and make a difference.
The Sustainability Challenge is more than a competition – it is an important opportunity for development that prepares you for a sustainable focused future. It is also your chance to make tangible impact, develop essential skills, and connect with like-minded individuals.
Applications open on Monday 4 November via our website.
Find out more about the Sustainability Challenge today.
No comments yet, fill out a comment to be the first
Leave a Reply