We asked two of our Career Service Student Ambassadors, Rose Gunning (Politics and International Relations) and Kreeshi Shavdia (Mathematics and Physics), what they felt like they got out of achieving the Bristol PLUS Award. Here is what they said…
How did the PLUS Award help you navigate your University experience?
Kreeshi:
Beyond skill development, the Bristol PLUS Award fostered a sense of belonging. Through volunteering, I connected with amazing peers who shared similar values. Collaborating with fellow volunteers, including those from my course and others studying entirely different disciplines, enriched my university experience. This network has been invaluable – not just socially, but academically and professionally, as I can now turn to peers for advice or inspiration when tackling challenges.
Rose:
My journey into this award began with my experience through part-time work alongside my studies. I pushed myself out of my comfort zone as a philanthropic fundraiser for the University. Here, I spoke to Bristol Alumni on the scholarship and student support programmes the University offers, raising donations for these causes.
Being outside my usual safety net of hospitality roles, I developed strong interpersonal and communication skills, whilst connecting with the history and legacy of my University through entertaining anecdotes from alumni.
How has the PLUS Award made you feel more career ready?
Kreeshi:
Completing the award enhanced my employability, the structured reflection encouraged me to articulate my experiences effectively – preparing me for future interviews where I will be asked to elaborate on them. The Bristol PLUS Award has been more than an achievement; it’s been a transformative journey that has set me on a confident path toward my career goals.
Rose:
The Award has helped me demonstrate my enthusiasm to employers and build on my ability to be proactive in my career growth, as well as developing soft skills fundamental to the foundation of my professional progression. To students considering the award, go for it! Take this chance to highlight to employers how YOU stand out in a jam-packed job market, through your strength in skills across experiences.
Why would you recommend the PLUS Award?
Rose:
This award provides a coherent framework of criteria that allowed me to make the most of the array of opportunities on offer when you first start University.
A major asset of the award is that it encourages you to attend workshops led by the Careers Service. This is something I would recommend all students take full advantage of! They taught me the importance of speculative applications – a key skill to be honed for those in a variety of industries.
How do you feel having achieved the Bristol PLUS Award?
Rose:
Achieving the Bristol PLUS Award has been an invaluable experience, providing opportunities for a breadth of personal and professional development.
Kreeshi:
Achieving the Bristol PLUS Award has been an incredibly rewarding experience, offering me opportunities to develop key skills, forge meaningful connections, and prepare for my future career.
What next?
- The Bristol PLUS Award registration deadline is fast approaching, Friday 21 February
- Visit the Bristol PLUS Award website and register today.
- Book onto one of our final intro talks here, before the deadline!