My Involvement in the Future-Ready Award Career Programmes
MSc Human Resource Management student Malavika explains how the Future-Ready Award has been a transformative aspect of her academic and professional journey at Queen's.
My Journey Towards the Future-Ready Award: A Student's Perspective
This award, designed to recognise and certify extracurricular experiences, equips students with the skills and competencies required to excel in the competitive job market.
The programme is open to all undergraduate and postgraduate students, offering over 100 accredited activities that range from voluntary work and global opportunities to professional development initiatives.
In this blog, I will share my experience of engaging in four distinct activities that have significantly contributed to my personal and professional growth: "Master Your Employability," "Master Your Leadership," "She Leads," and "Future Ready Skills for Leaders 2024."
Master Your Employability: Laying the Foundation
"Master Your Employability" was my first step towards the Future-Ready Award. This four-day programme is meticulously tailored to prepare students for the contemporary recruitment landscape.
Through this programme, I received personalised CV and interview support, which greatly enhanced my job application skills. Understanding how to complete competency-based application forms was another crucial skill I acquired, enabling me to articulate my experiences and strengths effectively.
One of the highlights of this programme was the Myers Briggs Type Questionnaire, which helped me understand my personality and strengths. This self-awareness is essential in aligning one's career path with personal attributes.
Additionally, the interactive teamwork activities were both fun and educational, fostering collaboration and problem-solving skills. The 1-2-1 career coaching sessions were invaluable, providing tailored advice and strategies to navigate my career path.
Master Your Leadership: Developing Leadership Skills
The "Master Your Leadership" programme was a deep dive into the practical aspects of leadership. This immersive experience involved working in a multidisciplinary team on a real-world employer challenge set by organisations from various sectors. This simulated work environment allowed me to apply personal leadership skills in a practical context, bridging the gap between theory and practice.
The student leadership challenge was particularly impactful. It pushed me to develop a personal development plan, tailored to my career aspirations and leadership style. This reflective exercise was crucial in identifying areas for improvement and setting actionable goals.
The experience of leading a team through complex challenges not only honed my leadership abilities but also enhanced my problem-solving and decision-making skills.
She Leads: Empowerment and Self-Discovery
"She Leads" was an empowering programme specifically designed for women, focusing on developing self-acceptance, self-belief, and leadership potential. Over four half days, I learned to acknowledge and harness my unique strengths, values, and behaviours. This programme was instrumental in overcoming self-doubt and building a confident leadership persona.
Learning from established women leaders and networking with like-minded peers created a supportive community. The interactive sessions on communication styles and assertiveness were particularly beneficial, enabling me to refine my interpersonal skills.
Setting personal goals and challenges during this programme helped me to take proactive steps towards my leadership aspirations. The emphasis on self-agency was a significant takeaway, instilling a sense of control and direction in my career path.
Future-Ready Skills for Leaders 2024: Practical Leadership in Action
The "Future Ready Skills for Leaders 2024" programme was a fast-paced, three-day event that focused on commercial awareness, teamwork, management, and presentation skills. Participating in a series of business games and challenges, I worked with a team to tackle global challenges and compete for prizes. This practical approach to learning was both engaging and enlightening.
Each team was mentored by a recent graduate now working in a professional role, providing real-world insights and guidance. The interactive business games and case studies facilitated by career consultants and industry professionals were challenging yet rewarding. These activities significantly enhanced my commercial awareness and presentation skills, preparing me for the dynamic and competitive business environment.
The networking opportunities during this programme were exceptional. The bonds formed with peers and mentors have persisted beyond the programme, creating a professional network that supports my career development. The experience of working under time constraints and presenting to employers was a realistic simulation of the professional world, making me more resilient and adaptable.
Conclusion: A Transformative Experience
Engaging in these four activities as part of the Future-Ready Award has been a transformative journey. Each programme offered unique insights and skills, contributing to my overall personal and professional development. The recognition and certification provided by the Future-Ready Award signal to employers that I have developed essential workplace skills, enhancing my employability.
Queen's University's commitment to student development through the Future-Ready Award is commendable. It not only prepares students for the job market but also fosters a holistic development approach, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to face future challenges.
My involvement in these programmes has been a significant step towards achieving my career goals, and I encourage all students to take advantage of this incredible opportunity.
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Malavika MahendranathMSc Human Resource Management | Postgraduate student | IndiaHi! Em here and greetings from the realms of caffeine fuelled study nights and research. I'm on a quest for achieving my Masters in Human Resource Management. When I'm not lost in the labyrinth of books and research papers, you can find me penning down my artworks and editing content. My superpower is that I am a master of multitasking and an expert in the art of procrastination fuelled productivity (Just kidding XD). |
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