Enhancing Your Mindset with Student Opportunities
The University of Derby, along with many other universities, offer many ways for you to develop both your academic and personal mindset outside and in the classroom. With workshops and drop-ins conducted regularly around the library and campus areas, as well as key study skills covering topics such as referencing, writing skills, and software usage; it’s important for students to understand the capabilities of their university so they can best use its features to their advantage. Here are a number of options for students studying at the University of Derby who want to get more involved in their education and future careers.
Personal Academic Tutoring
A member of staff is designated as each student’s personal academic tutor who goes over both your academic and professional development with you. For additional personal advice for your own situation, the Study Advisor scheme offers tailored advice from current students who are trained to give guidance and advice on study skills. These study advisors aim to inspire motivation, encourage critical thinking, and also can help them to engage with their own studies.
Undergraduate Research Scholarship Scheme
During their second year, students have the option of applying to take part in a fully funded research project. Supported directly by staff in a focus of the students choosing. Successful project proposals can receive up to £2,000 in bursary support and can help develop them for future study into the topic.
Postgraduate Study
Enhancing your career opportunities as a postgraduate student is an excellent way of providing yourself with a wider array of choices to go into the job market with. Learn more via the uni’s flexible informal postgraduate and professional open events or drop-in sessions. With a wide selection of subjects and methods of study, along with a 25% discount when you progress to postgraduate study, there is no better way to continue your academic career.
Go Places Go Further
With the Go Places Go Further programme, a part of your degree can be spent working abroad to expand your worldview and experience another culture first-hand. It’s a great opportunity to see more and learn about the world around you. It can also give you a new perspective on your own course as different countries study similar courses very differently. Whilst also meeting new and unique people, future employers will be very impressed when they review your CV and see you have globally applied experience. An extension to this is the Erasmus+ programme which aims to boost skills and employability by enabling you to study or work for 2 – 12 months in one of the University of Derby’s partner institutions in Europe as part of your degree.
Societies and Student-led Services
There are over 60 societies on offer from the Union of Students, spanning a huge range of interests. If you can’t see something that appeals to you, you can even create your own society. See a list of existing societies and find out more on the Union of Students website. Derby also has a range of sporting opportunities on offer, so if you like to be active there’s bound to be something to suit you. There are opportunities to play competitively or just for fun from Rugby to Dodgeball.
Student Representation
The Student Panel acts as a sounding board, so that you’re able to be involved in shaping your own experience and input into important changes that are planned for the future. At university you can be a leader of your own learning, taking responsibility and seizing the opportunities on offer. Be determined, focused and imaginative. It will stand you in excellent stead for the rest of your life. Students just like you elect over 500 Programme and College Reps each year to represent you. Their job is to work closely with the Union’s Vice-President (Education) to identify any student issues or needs and represent the student voice at the highest meetings at the University. Representation makes the student voice extremely powerful and is a fantastic opportunity for you to develop new skills and deliver real, lasting changes across the University as a course representative.
Volunteer Opportunities
One of the most rewarding activities you can get involved in is volunteering. Not only does it give you a great sense of personal satisfaction, it also sends the right message to future employers. Getting involved with Raise and Give (RAG) benefits loads of causes and is a great way of finding new friends, creating opportunities, and developing important qualities in your character. If you are particularly artistic you can join any part of Phantom Media which is the student run society in charge of TV, Radio, and written journalism. It’s a great way of bringing students from all different walks of life together and kick-starting their career in different creative fields.
Paid Opportunities
The University can support you in identifying opportunities that will help you boost your income whilst building your employability skills ready for graduation. Become a Student Ambassador and get paid to share your experiences about your course and uni experience with others. Alternatively the student employment agency can help you find relevant part time and internship work in Derby or close by, giving you the chance to gain valuable work experience during studying. Once registered you will have access to view their wide range of opportunities to help you start to build up your skills and experience as well as earning some cash along the way. An important aspect of the employment agency is the DRIVEN internship programme. Driven is your chance to gain 80 hours paid work experience with local employers. there will be roles available in all industries, covering all courses and years, and all are paid at least minimum wage. Driven is a fantastic way for you to access short-term, valuable work experience. You can work flexibly whilst completing your studies so it’s another great way to earn some extra cash whilst adding valuable experience to your CV.
Be the Boss Scheme
If you’re interested in setting up a business or being your own boss, then the University can help get you started. Whether you’re just wanting to explore the self-employment option or are ready to take the next step into being an entrepreneur, they have a range of advice and resources to help your journey.
Halls Social Reps
Being a Social Rep in your hall is a pretty good gig! You get paid to attend events and you get to know loads of people. Every year in the Spring UoD recruit Social Reps for the following year. So if you’re living in halls next year – this could be the job for you! You can also become a Uni Marketing Rep, work with the university marketing team to create blogs, vlogs, video and work on small paid projects. You will receive advice, guidance and training from marketing and media professionals.
The post-university world can be difficult so you’ll need all the support you can get during uni to ensure you have the best choices going forward. Employers are always looking for recent graduates and although many markets can be extremely competitive, you need to think of committing to alternative ways of showing to bosses around the world that you are the best possible choice out there. Further Information can be found on the University of Derby website or student portal via “My Experience”.
Final Note
All of these resources come from the student portal under My Experience along with additional options that showcase what the university has to offer. These are just a few choices in a wide array of schemes and projects that you can pick and choose from.
