Emphasising the positives, this section of the e-Hub draws strength from a recent report by Universities Wales that states 74% of students secured their desired job, thanks to their university education.
Real-world problem-solving:
Universities and colleges enable students to experience real-world problem-solving exercises and case studies. This practical experience sharpens your ability to translate theoretical knowledge into practical solutions efficiently and effectively.
Adaptability:
If you are a student who has had to navigate changing circumstances and uncertainty, you have already started to develop a unique adaptability. By learning to adjust to new situations and embracing fresh challenges, you are demonstrating your ability to adapt to the situation you find yourself in.
Attention to detail:
Some students show an extraordinary capacity for detail-oriented tasks, excelling at spotting errors and inconsistencies that others may overlook, ensuring precision and quality.
The value of diversity:
Hiring you as a student from an underrepresented group adds more than just diversity. It injects creativity, improves decision making, and widens the understanding of diverse markets.
Conflict resolution:
Have you ever had to handle disagreements? If so, you have already started to develop conflict resolution skills.
Cultural competence:
Students from diverse backgrounds often display cultural competence and can navigate different cultures with ease, promoting effective collaboration and understanding.
Cultivating unity:
As a student from an underrepresented group, your unique perspective can be a catalyst for unity. The diverse ideas and experiences you bring, enrich discussions, enhance problem-solving and decision-making processes.
Diverse talent:
Students from groups less likely to attend university often bring unique perspectives and resilience that can help drive organisations forward. Your background isn’t a measure of your skills, abilities, and dedication, but a springboard for innovative ideas and solutions.
Empathy that connects:
Some students, due to their unique experiences, develop deep levels of empathy. If that’s you, you are developing an ability to understand and connect with others.
Enriching company culture:
Your diversity is a strength. It helps to strengthen company culture by fostering creativity, innovation, and a broader worldview. Your unique experiences and perspectives make companies more robust, innovative, and equipped to cater to a diverse customer base.
A global advantage:
Embrace your language skills as assets. In our increasingly globalised world, being bilingual or multilingual, a common trait among students from underrepresented backgrounds, is an asset. Communication extends beyond language. It’s about empathy, active listening, and the ability to express ideas clearly. Your time as a student has enabled you to develop these skills, ready for the workplace.
Leadership in action:
Overcoming difficulties can improve your leadership qualities and enable you to inspire and motivate others.
Mastering practical skills:
Your life as a student is an adventure, and every adventure shapes you. Through internships, placements, and part-time jobs, you’re amassing a wealth of practical experience. Every academic project you undertake is another example of a transferable skill you can take into the workplace.
Multitasking ability:
Many students are forced to manage a variety of commitments and responsibilities between home and university or college life. Do you know that you are becoming skilled at multitasking as well as time management and effective prioritisation?
Problem-solving champions:
Many students have demonstrated exceptional problem-solving skills by addressing personal barriers and overcoming challenges. If this is you, the way you approach obstacles with resourcefulness, creativity, and determination is a valuable skill.
Demonstrating strong ethic:
Balancing demanding coursework with part-time jobs, internships, or extracurricular activities showcases your robust work ethic. Your determination and diligence are attributes that will serve you well in any professional setting.
Unleashing creativity:
Diverse backgrounds can often enhance creativity. As a student from a diverse background, you bring unique perspectives and imaginative problem-solving skills that can drive innovation and success.
Remember, roles in teams or societies, volunteering, part-time jobs, and even responsibilities like caring for others, all contribute to shaping your skills, broadening your experience, and adding unique value to the workplace. Think about how many of these apply to you and how you could work them into your CV and future application forms.
Remember, your university can support you with CVs and applications.
73% of graduates in Wales say going to university enabled them to build skills that have proved professionally valuable. And, for 73% of graduates and 77% of business leaders in Wales, going to university helped to build their self-confidence.
Case Study
Wrexham University
In 2023, Jo, a second-year BSc Occupational Therapy student at Wrexham University, began her journey with Employability Navigator, Debbie Clifford. Jo, who identifies as neurodiverse, LGBTQ+, disabled, and from a low HE participation area, sought to explore green social prescribing, especially for the homeless.
Over six months, Debbie provided tailored support, helping Jo secure a 4-week practical experience with the Community Wellness Company CIC. Jo also identified and attended three employability skills courses, aiming to provide open water swimming therapy in Wales. Recognising the importance of the Welsh language in healthcare, Jo pursued further Welsh language studies.
The impact of this support was profound. Jo’s confidence and awareness of the employment market grew, and she successfully applied for a voluntary role with the Community Wellness Company CIC. Jo’s saw significant improvements in her confidence and strategy for overcoming employment barriers.
“Without this scholarship’s support, I couldn’t afford this training, which differentiates me in the employment market.”
Glossary
Embracing a new era of work
