By Matt Lumley, Nottingham Advantage Award Coordinator

Applications for our prizes are now open. By participating in our prize process, on top of the chance to win a prize, you can gain valuable practice in applications and interviews. 

It is an opportunity to celebrate your success and gain extra recognition for the effort you put into your Award modules. 

Read on to find our top tips to help you choose the right prize for you and how to approach the process. 

Choose the prize based on your Award experiences 

We have several employers that sponsor our prizes and it can be tempting to follow the employer that interests you the most. – “I really want to work for Mars, so it will be great to win a prize sponsored by them”. 

That is a reasonable thought process – you can have the employer name listed on your CV, meet a company representative at interview and, if you win a prize, get an insight experience with that employer. 

Now, we’re not saying that is not a valid reason to apply, but we encourage you to stop and ask yourself – Does my Award experience also match up with the prize topic?  

Often we see students that get attracted to an employer, but they struggle in the application/interview as their Award experience does not fit the prize. For instance, they have always wanted to work for a not-for-profit organisation like Save the Children. However, they do not have many Award examples of working with the community to support their responses. 

If you are attracted to an employer and your experience matches the prize then great. However, if you think you can relate your experiences better to another prize then we would advise focussing on that one. After all, recognition from any of our employer partners will look good on your CV. 

Focus on Advantage Award examples 

In the application stage especially, you have limited space to convey your point – 100-150 words for each of the three questions. As with any application, it is important to keep your responses relevant. 

It may seem obvious, but these are ‘Advantage Award’ prizes, so we are recognising your achievements through our modules. We enjoy hearing about all your other extra-curricular activities but try to focus on your Award modules. 

That does not mean that you cannot refer to experiences outside of your modules. However, still try to relate that experience to something you learnt through the Award. For instance, you have a great example from your part-time job – which was not an Award module. You can still relate this to the scheme – I felt prepared for the job thanks to taking the ‘Transitioning into the workplace’ Award module. 

In the interviews, there is more time to talk about your other activities. Therefore, if you really are struggling to think of an Award example to fit the question then you can use another extra-curricular example. However, the more you can use Award examples the better. 

Research the employer 

One skill employers consistently seem to desire is ‘commercial awareness’. This means being aware about what is happening in the world and your knowledge of the employer to which you are applying. 

Employers are sponsoring these prizes, so it is important to show enthusiasm/interest for that company and their activities. This is relevant to all applications and interviews.  

Do not just look at the homepage of their website. Deep dive into their projects and activities. Do they have a project that relates to the prize topic? Is there something they are doing that particularly interests you? 

Being commercially aware for the prize interviews is good practice for applying for roles in the future. In a close job selection process, it could be the difference between you succeeding or not.

Celebrate your success 

Interviews can be nerve-racking, but we are excited to listen to your achievements on the Award. If there is something of which you are particularly proud, then this is your chance to tell us. 

Sometimes it may feel that an example seems insignificant. It meant a lot to you, but why would someone else want to hear about that? 

We are not necessarily looking for the finished article or who is the best leader overall. It is about how you have used the Award to develop and benefit yourself. You may have been shy and lacking confidence. Therefore, you used the Award to go outside your comfort zone, took on your first leadership role and now feel ready to take on more challenges. That is a success. 

Did you have a clear idea what you wanted to do as a career or no idea? Whichever stage you were at, or are still at, if you have used the Award to develop and support your career decisions. That is a success. 

Our schemes are for everyone and your reasonings for participating may be different to others. However, that is your journey, so be confident and explain how impactful it has been. We want to hear from you. 

Find out more and apply now by the end of February 2023. 

Book onto one of our prize information sessions below:​

• Wednesday 8 February – 3pm​
• Wednesday 22 February – 3pm​

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

The post Advantage Award prizes – Top tips for applications and interviews appeared first on Nottingham Advantage Award.

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:​

• Wednesday 8 February – 3pm​
• Wednesday 22 February – 3pm

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

The post Five Advantages of applying to our Award prizes appeared first on Nottingham Advantage Award.

By Grace Pascoe

Autumn-term modules may be well underway now, but you still have time to apply to our Spring-term modules.

Looking through the module catalogue can be quite overwhelming – there’s so much to choose from. If you need some help to decide, here are five questions you can ask yourself when applying.

1. What sort of experiences are you looking for?

The first question to ask yourself is ‘What sort of experiences do I want to have?’

This can have lots of answers.

It could mean looking at the particular skills you want to develop, thinking about teamwork or commercial awareness. You could also think about whether you’re looking for a module that’s placement-oriented or a way to get as much out of the extra-curricular activities as possible. Do you want to work with other people or do you want to work independently? What about assessment – do you want to practice giving presentations, pitches or written work? There are so many possibilities.

2. How much time can you dedicate to the module?

The more time and effort you put into your Advantage Award module, the more you will get out of it. That being said, some modules are more of a time commitment than others.

Some modules will have mandatory, scheduled sessions that you will have to make sure you can attend. When looking at modules that include completing a placement, you must make sure you have time around your degree and other commitments to take this on. If you can, then great. If not – don’t worry. We have modules available to fit around your schedule that are driven by independent study.

3. How will the module relate to your degree subject?

Some of our modules are linked directly to your degree; in fact, some of them will only be open to people doing your degree. These modules aim to give you the opportunity to expand and harness the possibilities already available through your course.

Other modules have no direct link to a School at all, and through them you will have the chance to try something completely new. You might have already decided that once you’ve graduated, you want to pursue something totally different than what you’ve studied. This is a great way to experiment.

4. When can you do it? i.e. when does the module run?

This is a more practical thing to take into consideration. Some modules take place in a single semester. These will have a heavier weekly workload but will be finished in a shorter amount of time. We also have some modules that span across two terms, and these are usually assessed at the end of the final term. These will have a lighter weekly workload, but you will need to make sure you will be able to commit to the longer time period.

When deciding on your modules, it’s good to look at your pre-existing university and extra-curricular timetables. Is there a term when you’ll have fewer commitments or assessments? It is important to make sure you still have time for social activities and for yourself, so make sure you will be able to juggle everything.

5. What skills have you not had the chance to explore yet?

It can be tempting to think about developing the skills and experiences you already have when applying for something like the Advantage Award. I would encourage you to use the scheme to do the opposite: try something that you’ve never had the opportunity to try before, or something that you’re not confident in. This will help you in becoming a more well-rounded candidate in the world of employment, and you may even find a new area of interest to pursue.

You may, of course, find that the experience of a particular module isn’t for you. But that can be useful too. It is almost as important to work out what you don’t enjoy when making decisions about your career as it is to work out what you do enjoy. The Advantage Award is a great place to reach this realisation as it is a safe, non-threatening environment with no repercussions. You have nothing to lose.

What now?

Hopefully this gave you some things to think about, and that the decision-making process feels a little less daunting now.

Take a look at our module catalogue to find out more about what we have on offer and apply.

If you are still unsure, then get in touch with the Advantage Award inbox at nottingham-advantage-award@nottingham.ac.uk.

You can also book one-to-one appointments with the Award team about making these decisions.

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We use Twitter and Facebook to announce any Advantage Award related news, so follow us there to stay in the loop.

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By Vivina Sardo, BA Hons Modern Language Studies

I started my university journey with no work experience whatsoever. In addition, I had no idea what made a CV good or bad, what to expect from a job interview or how to impress an employer. Then an alumnus told me about how the Advantage Award gives students recognition for extra-curricular activities of their choice. So I said to myself – why not give it a go? 

I want to share with you what I learnt through participating in the Nottingham Advantage Award. So here are five ways I think the scheme can benefit Arts students. 

1) Challenge yourself to build your confidence 

The first module I took was Public Speaking and I would recommend it to everyone. As a languages student, I knew I had to prepare for my course presentations and speak in front of the class with confidence and clarity. However, I was not sure how to attract the audience’s interest and get my point across.  

Before starting I thought I was too shy to speak in public. However, during the module I learnt how to effectively prepare a speech and now I feel much more confident. 

2) Prepare for life after university

Another module that had an impact on me was Skills for Employability. This is the go-to module if you want to learn how to write a CV and prepare for interviews. Learning these top tips puts you in a great position – especially if you have never experienced the recruitment process before. This preparation could be the difference between you getting your dream job/placement or not. I cannot thank myself enough for choosing this module as I discovered the most effective ways to make my CV stand out and give a good impression at interview.  

3) Engage with new local and international students

Believe it or not, you can get recognition for supporting first-year students on your course during their first months at university. You can also mentor new international students who move to Nottingham. Imagine helping the student community, striking up new friendships and getting recognition for it. I know it sounds too good to be true, but it is possible and worth considering. 

4) Connect with like–minded people 

Whichever module you choose, you are going to be joined by other students who, just like you, saw the importance of standing out and going the extra mile at university. It is a unique opportunity to build a network and learn from everyone’s experiences. This can help you plan and get ideas for your future. 

5) Discover how your interests can capture employers’ attention

There are many activities that you can do in your free time and get recognition for with the Award. Examples include: 

• Accepting a committee role in your favourite society 
• Improving the student living experience at your hall 
• Putting yourself forward to become a course rep 

By participating in the Award modules alongside your roles you will learn how to reflect, identify skills and showcase your experiences to employers.  

What next?

Curious to see what else this Award can offer you? Check out the module catalogue. I promise there will be at least three that you will not want to miss out on!

Spring applications opened on 1 November so apply now.

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 contact us at nottingham-advantage-award@nottingham.ac.uk 

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By Hannah Edmondson, BA Theology and Religious Studies and MSc in Psychology alumna

After finishing my Masters, I spent a year working in a variety of settings to gain experience of different working environments. This included:

• The Visas and Immigration team on University Park
• The Education Centre team at the Queen’s Medical Centre
• As an Assistant Director at a local tuition company called Explore Learning

Following these, I started on the Boots Commercial Graduate Scheme. My current role is as the Assistant Buying Manager for First Aid, Specialist Skincare, and PPE within the Trading team at Boots Head Office.

During my time at university, I completed the Nottingham Advantage Award. I was also fortunate to be the winner of the Advantage Award Leadership Prize supported by Mars.

I wanted to highlight how participating in the Award was hugely beneficial for me, how it helped me transition from university into the world of work, and how I believe it can benefit you too.

Here are the top three ways in which the Nottingham Advantage Award helped me.

1. Steered my career decisions and helped land a job I love

Let’s face it, the courses I studied do not particularly lend themselves to a specific career path.

I was always keen to study subjects I enjoyed that kept my career options open. However, after graduating, I still did not really know what I wanted to do.

By completing the Award, I was able to build and hone a crucial set of transferable skills outside of my academic work. These included time management, teamwork, and leadership – all of which are essential in the workplace. I began to explore careers where I could use these skills. Ultimately, this led me to my current role, which is a job I absolutely adore.

2. Enabled me to better articulate my experiences during the recruitment process

Now you have worked out what job you want – or not quite yet. So, how can the Advantage Award help you to land that role?

There is no doubt that attending an interview can be nerve-wracking, especially if, like me, you are worried that on paper your degree does not appear to be the ‘correct’ subject for that field. However, in reality, most employers do not mind the degree you studied. They care more about who you are as a person and how you demonstrate you have the right qualities to be a great employee.

The majority of my Award module assessments required me to engage in self-reflection. Therefore, I became better at articulating my experiences clearly and concisely, which was vital during interviews.

3. Gave me formal recognition for my extracurricular activities

Did you know that even if you only complete one Award module it will still be evidenced by the team? Personally, I undertook three very varied modules:

• Societies, Sports, and Student-Run Services
• Student Trainer Programme
• Part-time Jobs, Vacation Jobs, and Volunteering

Something I remember vividly was walking into my interview at an assessment centre and seeing my CV on the desk. The only point highlighted was where I had written that I was the recipient of the Mars Leadership Prize. Having formal recognition for all the things I was doing outside of my academic work helped validate my experiences with the interviewers.

Start your Award journey

No matter where you are in your university career, I would encourage you to view the Award module catalogue. You can plan which modules you would like to take to build your skills and broaden your experiences.

I gained so much both personally and professionally from my time completing the Award, and you can too.

In the words of American author Harriett Jackson Brown Jr: “The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today.” The Nottingham Advantage Award gives you the edge that employers want.

Apply for a prize

If, like Hannah, you want a chance to win one of our Nottingham Advantage Award prizes then you can find out more here.

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 contact us at nottingham-advantage-award@nottingham.ac.uk

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By Matt Lumley, Nottingham Advantage Award Coordinator

For over 10 years our team have been helping you make career choices and stand out to employers. Our employability scheme is designed to showcase your extra-curricular activities and prepare you for the recruitment process.

Any modules you do with us will be listed on your degree transcript. They help you reflect on why that experience was important to an employer and look great on your CV.

So here’s why you should take part.

1. Make career choices

This can be a difficult decision to make. Do not worry if you feel lost. Whether you have no idea or too many ideas about your future career the Award can help.

Know what you want to do next? – Find opportunities to boost your skills and experience in that area.

Have a number of options? – Try them and see which one you prefer.

Absolutely no idea? – This category is where most of our students lie. We provide many opportunities – so just give it go. You may find something you love that was never on your radar. Conversely, sometimes it can be beneficial to cross things off you never want to do again. Better to realise that now before entering the job market.

We understand that sometimes things do not work out. That’s why you can withdraw from our modules without any adverse consequences.

2. Get recognition

Practically all extra-curricular activities around the University – and beyond – can be used towards the Award. Think about activities you want to do – get a part-time job, volunteer, join a society committee – there is a module for all of these.

You’re doing half the work. Why not join the additional Award module and get some extra recognition on your degree transcript?

We also have prizes sponsored by employers. Another way for you to showcase your achievements.

3. Get skills and experience

You may have received employer interview feedback – “you interviewed well, but other candidates had more experience”. The Award can help you find it.

There are various opportunities in the UK and even more in our China and Malaysia campuses. We provide bespoke activities to develop your skills in a practical setting.

Through our assessments we encourage you to reflect on your roles. This allows you to identify the skills you are developing whilst also providing evidence of your experience to employers.

4. Get connected

Employers support us through running modules, workshops, mock interviews and sponsoring prizes. Many opportunities are filled by those who have already worked for the organisation. Meeting employers on the Award can help you gain internship experience and professional connections.

However, it’s not all about employers. It is a great way to meet students outside of your course. Immersing yourself in the University community could also provide opportunities with staff in your School, the Students’ Union and/or Widening Participation.

5. Prepare for the recruitment process

When you complete a job application or attend an interview you will face “competency-based” questions. Describe a time you have shown excellent communication or when you have needed to overcome an obstacle. It can be difficult to motivate yourself to keep a record of these skills and experiences.

Our modules encourage you to reflect on areas such as your strengths, weaknesses and greatest achievements. You will then have ready-made responses to use when applying for jobs.

We also provide chances to help you articulate your experiences.

You could apply to our prizes that mimic a recruitment process. For each prize you need to apply, attend an interview – with an employer – and even get feedback on your performance.

We also provide appointments and run workshops to help you showcase your achievements on your CV and prepare you for entering the workplace.

So what next?

Applications open on the following dates:

• 31 August – Modules starting in autumn term
• 1 November – Modules starting in spring term
• 1 May – Modules starting in summer

You can explore all of the modules on offer in our catalogue.

If you would like to find out more then you can attend one of our information sessions.

You can also speak to a member of the team by booking an appointment on My Career.

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 contact us at nottingham-advantage-award@nottingham.ac.uk

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Elizabeth Ryan, BA Jt Hons History and Politics, third year

I chose to do the Advantage Award in my second year to increase my employment options. It would allow me to develop further soft skills that I did not necessarily gain through just my degree.

Learn more than just your degree

Initially, I wanted to take part in the public speaking module to increase my employability as I often lacked confidence in putting across my points. This opportunity was not available in my degree.

I took part in evening sessions and was pleasantly surprised at the variety of tasks and the consistent opportunities to participate. The module did not only look at formal, prepared public speaking but helped develop skills in spontaneous communication and delivering information when unprepared. There was a great sense of community and support even though we were online. This module was great for developing transferable skills that would be relevant in a variety of careers and everyday life. My confidence speaking in front of people increased significantly.

Enhance your CV

Modules from the Award can also help fill gaps in your CV whilst increasing your presence within your School. My second module was undertaken alongside my role in the History and Politics Peer Mentoring scheme. It allowed me to take on a leadership position – something which was lacking on my CV. I was able to give back to my School and use my own peer mentor during my first year as an example to ensure that I was readily available for my mentees. Being a mentor increased my skills and knowledge of the University as a whole, which I have used in my work as a student ambassador.

Get the most out of activities you are already doing

The Award can also help you get recognition for schemes, activities and work in which you are already take part.

Through the part-time jobs and volunteering module, I was able to accredit my administrative position within the National Health Service. It gave me the opportunity to present my work to other Award participants and reflect on my position within the structure of the organisation. This module is also important for my future career as nearly every organisation for any position has some form of reflective practice and performance review. Until this module, I had not yet experienced this.

Boost your employability now

In summary, my different modules gave me a number of opportunities to develop as a person and employee. I have already experienced the benefits of my increased confidence in public speaking applying for positions which require it. The other two modules are a great example of being able to use activities you may already completing towards the scheme. These enhanced my experiences by offering increased training or the ability to partake in reflective practises.

You can:

• Find out more on our webpage
• Explore our catalogue
• Book an appointment to speak to a member of the Award team

Applications open on the following dates:

• 31 August – Autumn
• 1 November – Spring
• 1 May – Summer

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 contact us at nottingham-advantage-award@nottingham.ac.uk

The post Learn more and enhance your CV with the Advantage Award appeared first on Nottingham Advantage Award.

By Dylan Cox, BSc Psychology, third year

I definitely enjoyed my experience as a Psychology student at the University of Nottingham. During my second year, though, I started to notice that something was missing. I recognised that there was a big difference between who I was and who I wanted to be – and my degree alone was not going to change that. 

I had considered joining the Advantage Award before, and now it seemed like the perfect way to improve my situation. The only way to find out was to take action. I enrolled myself on the Award, with the main objective of broadening my horizons. 

Thankfully, that is exactly what it did. I developed my ability to communicate with others in different situations, and discovered new directions in which I could take my career. Most importantly, I built a stronger character that I feel proud to carry with me into the future. 

Develop interpersonal skills for your career and beyond 

One of the most valuable transferrable skills you can acquire is the ability to communicate well with a variety of people, in a variety of settings. Whether you want to be an effective teammate, deliver an impactful presentation, or leave a lasting impression at interview, good communication is vital. 

One of my Award modules – Career skills for Psychology students – was especially useful for practicing my interpersonal skills. Over four weeks, I worked with a team to plan, create and deliver a presentation. Like many others, public speaking used to make me nervous. Therefore, I saw the module as a great opportunity to get out of my comfort zone. 

The effort paid off when I was commended as a particularly strong speaker – feedback I did not expect to receive.  

If you are thinking of participating in the Award, do not hesitate to choose at least one module that seems scary. You might be surprised to find that you are capable of more than you think. 

Discover careers that you never considered before 

Deciding where to take your career can be difficult. However, sometimes it is made easier by learning about occupations beyond those directly related to your degree. Try to keep an open mind, otherwise you risk limiting yourself. 

Choosing ‘Skills for Employability’ had a major influence on my career plans. I attended six insightful events organised by the Careers and Employability Service. These gave me up-to-date advice on how to stand out to employers, leaving me with greater commercial awareness. 

Moreover, I produced a reflective piece on each event, which helped identify my strengths. That is how I discovered my affinity with digital marketing – the field in which I now have a job that I enjoy. 

If I had not taken this module, I might have progressed through my entire degree without properly considering my prospects, my CV, or my interview technique. Now, I am able to set myself clearer professional goals, and I feel fulfilled pursuing them. 

Take responsibility for your personal development 

A few years after university, you might have forgotten a lot of the content that you learned in your lectures. However, any improvements made to your character will, hopefully, stay with you for life. A proactive attitude towards personal development will make you more adaptable, more creative, and increasingly more employable. 

The ‘Nottingham Consultancy Challenge’ was the most rewarding of my Award modules because I volunteered to be team leader. My team conducted extensive competitor analyses and a marketing strategy overhaul for a real company—so the stakes were high. However, at the time, none of us had any experience with either. 

Rising to the challenge was a chance for me to grow as a person and we ‘far outweighed’ the company director’s expectations. It was definitely worthwhile. I emerged with a range of new skills and as a far more confident and effective leader. 

It is never too late to start working on yourself. I began the Award during the latter half of my second year and I have no regrets. It sounds cliché, but if you are a prospective Award student, find the courage to test your boundaries during all your modules. Otherwise, you may never reach your potential. 

Immerse yourself in the Award and reap the benefits 

These are just some of the ways that the Advantage Award can help you secure a brighter future. It is a great way to make the most of your time as a student, whilst preparing for life after graduation. 

If, like me, you have been considering the Award for some time, then hopefully this article will be your final push to do it. Choose the right modules for you, give them your all, and the Award could mark a memorable turning point in your life. 

Start your Award journey

You can:

• Find out more on our webpage
• Explore our catalogue
• Book an appointment to speak to a member of the Award team

Applications open on the following dates:

• 31 August – Autumn
• 1 November – Spring
• 1 May – Summer

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 contact us at nottingham-advantage-award@nottingham.ac.uk

The post Discovering my potential through the Advantage Award appeared first on Nottingham Advantage Award.

By Matt Lumley, Nottingham Advantage Award Coordinator and the Social Impact Game team 

You have the opportunity to nominate the Nottingham Advantage Award module that has had the most positive impact on your personal and professional development.   

It is more about the quality of what you write than the number of nominations we receive. So, the more you tell us about how great your favourite module is, the better chance it has of winning.   

All you need to do to nominate your Module of the Year is fill out our simple online form.  

In this article read from last year’s winner and how you can help celebrate the work of our module convenors. 

What happened last time? 

From your nominations we shortlisted the following and chose your winner:  

• A student’s guide to the future   
• Capital One – Business decision making  
• English language support for refugees and migrants in the Nottingham area  
• Makaton – Signing and symbol use for people with communication difficulties  
• Nottingham Consultancy Challenge  
• Winner – Social Impact Game  

More about the winning module 

The Social Impact Game, co-created with an external consultants Learning Without Borders, brings students, alumni and Nottingham organisations together to undertake Social Impact Projects in the Nottingham community.    

The programme enables you to make a measurable difference in the ‘real world’.  By participating, you can build your confidence, resilience and lead projects that make a lasting difference. You can do this through hands-on experience, workshops and coaching sessions.   

In 2019-20, the teams produced ten projects, working with organisations based in the East Midlands.  

Examples included:  

1) Formulating a long-term solution to tackling Misogyny Hate Crime in Nottingham by partnering with Nottingham Women’s Centre.  You created and delivered your own training workshop aimed at improving men’s understanding of the issue and encouraging them to report it.  These changes are now incorporated into the work of the University’s Pro Bono Society. This ensures your work continues to help the community.   

2) Increasing local awareness and community engagement to support Foodprint. This student-founded social supermarket re-distributes surplus food to the community.  As a result, the number of community volunteers increased and you co-created strategies to maintain the recruitment of new community volunteers. After previously struggling for resources, the supermarket is now able to be open four days a week throughout the year.  

What your nomination meant? 

It was fantastic to see the Social Impact that your projects made in the local community and hear how much the module had helped you in developing your teamwork, organisation and project management skills.  

We are so pleased that the hard work and dedication of the team and Learning Without Borders has been recognised. Particularly as this was our first year as a module on the Nottingham Advantage Award. 

The advice, guidance and support provided by the Nottingham Advantage Award and Careers teams has been invaluable. We would like to say a massive thank you to the team for helping the Social Impact Game to flourish. 

The Social Impact Game team 

What did you, the students, say? 

“This module has been an amazing learning opportunity. The techniques and strategies that I have learnt will transfer to my studies and to future jobs. The team have been unwavering in their support and their enthusiasm. I feel more comfortable in public speaking and delivering a project that will make a positive social impact.” 

“The experience was one of a kind. I’ve learned how to work on real-life projects and have interacted with potential employers. I now have a better idea of what employers are looking for when hiring. I’ve also picked up technical skills that I wouldn’t have thought necessary if not for this module.” 

“The support received by all the staff involved has been amazing. The team have helped to build my confidence and realise that I can make a difference. I have enjoyed the whole process.  This module has taught me the importance of teamwork and how to network with others. It has helped me in figuring out where I would like to go in the future.” 

“The workshops helped me figure out my overall purpose and why I continue to do the activities I do. I have already used the skills I gained throughout this module to help me obtain another placement. I do not believe I could have achieved this without the help of the module convenors and my experience undertaking the project.” 

Show your appreciation and nominate now 

 Have you had a great experience on an Advantage Award module? Has it helped you develop your skills or impacted on you personally? Why not say thank you by nominating it for Module of the Year.  

The winning module and other shortlisted modules will receive a certificate to recognise their achievements. 

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 contact us at nottingham-advantage-award@nottingham.ac.uk

The post What a difference a Module of the Year nomination makes appeared first on Nottingham Advantage Award.

By Matt Lumley, Nottingham Advantage Award officer

We hope you have found your time with the Award enjoyable so far. Now is the time to start applying for our autumn and full-year modules. Despite the pandemic, we are still here to support you. There are plenty of module opportunities as the majority have been converted to an online offering.

Of course any modules you have completed so far will appear on your degree transcript. However, here are some reasons why you should keep going and push yourself to complete.

Simplified sign up and search

Practically all our modules now have an application form.

Simply find a module in our Workspace catalogue, select the form link, fill it out and press ‘Submit’. Once submitted the convenor will contact you around a week after the deadline with the result.

We have improved our mini search engine to make it easier for you to find a suitable module. You can filter by term or category. You can also see whether a module is open to undergraduates and postgraduates or specific Schools.

Credits could mean prizes

To be eligible for our prizes you need to have completed at least two Award modules by the end of February 2022.

The prizes recognise your achievements in areas such as inclusion, personal development and leadership. These have been supported by employers including Boots, Capital One and Mars. View last year’s winners here.

More information can be found here. Applications open on 1 February 2022.

Use the Award to your Advantage

Now you’ve completed some Award modules you may be wondering how you can showcase what you’ve done to employers.

Our specialised workshop programme helps you identify the skills and experiences you’ve gained and practise how to articulate them in your CV and at interview. The more skills and experience you develop through completing the Award, the more you can get out of these sessions.

You can find out more about our workshops and all our other activities on our events page here.

Completing feels good

Doesn’t it just feel better to finish something? You have started your Advantage Award journey so why stop now?

Think back on the modules you have taken so far. Is there anything you need to work on? Have your modules given you ideas on a new career path? Do you want to try something a bit different?

That final module could be the last piece in the puzzle to boost your employability.

You have put the effort in so go for it and pass that final Award module.

So why wait? Continue your journey and apply for your next module now.

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 contact us at nottingham-advantage-award@nottingham.ac.uk  

The post Now you’ve started, why you should finish appeared first on Nottingham Advantage Award.