What I gained from the Skills Enhancement Programme
Posted on: 6 May 2021 by Richard Finch in Student experiences
Final year BA Geography student, Grace Barrett, talks about participating in the University of Liverpool Skills Enhancement Programme last year, and what she gained from taking part.
What made you apply for the Skills Enhancement Programme?
At the start of 2020 (I was half way through my second year) I applied for a number of summer internships to gain some workplace experience as I know it is invaluable to employers - however due to the Coronavirus Pandemic all of these applications were withdrawn. When I saw the advertisement for the Skills Enhancement Programme on Handshake I thought that it would be a great opportunity to enhance my employability, build on my existing skills and build connections.
Please tell us about the project you worked on and describe your role:
The project I worked on centred around assessing ways for Santander Universities to raise their profile across the UK. To do this we investigated current levels of accessibility and student engagement with the organisation and researched strategies used within the sector to increase reach and impact. We then pitched these findings to the organisation representative on completion of the task. Within the team I was responsible for designing, distributing and analysing an online survey to assess the current levels of engagement with Santander Universities, as well as student attitudes to enterprise, employability and entrepreneurship. As a team we put together our findings and took part in the final presentation to the Santander Universities representative.
How did completing the programme enhance your exposure to employers?
Completing this programme opened my eyes to many employers I previously wasn’t aware even existed! Taking part in this programme helped me to realise that there are so many more employability options post-university other than the big national graduate recruitment schemes, and looking for opportunities with small/medium enterprises was an option I hadn’t even considered until my participation with the Skills Enhancement Programme.
What did you enjoy most about the programme?
I really enjoyed the chance to work in a multi-disciplinary team. I have completed lots of group work whilst at university but always with students on the same degree programme as me. Working with students from other disciplines is refreshing as it allows new perspectives, approaches and knowledge to be shared.
What was the most valuable aspect of the programme?
The Coronavirus Pandemic has proved challenging in many ways, but especially for group collaboration and organisation due to restrictions on meeting with others. I think a valuable aspect of this programme is that it was virtual, and so has provided me with experience co-ordinating and working with as a group via Microsoft Teams, as effective online working and adaptability is something that employers will be increasingly looking to in the future.
Since completing the programme, how have you been able to use the skills that you learnt to help with your studies and your future career plans?
The Skills Enhancement Programme has been useful to add to job applications as completing this programme demonstrates a range of vital skills that employers look for in candidates such as organisation, effective communication, being a team player and creativity, as well as dedication and commitment to personal development.
Keywords: Work Experience.