The Edinburgh Award
The Edinburgh Award provides recognition to students for part time work, volunteering, and for playing an active role in the University community.
We spoke to Declan Sheridan, a fourth year Ancient History undergraduate, about his experience of gaining the Award.
Why did you decide to sign up for the Edinburgh Award?
I decided to do the Edinburgh Award for a number of reasons. I realised that a degree is no longer enough; you have to maximise what you do in your spare time as well. I also saw the Award as a fantastic way to reflect and acknowledge the activities I do outside of the academic setting; it was also easy to complete the Edinburgh Award alongside my internship.
What activities did you undertake to enter the Award programme?
Last summer I did an Employ.ed on Campus internship at the Careers Service. To receive the Award I had to complete my internship to a good standard, and do a number of self-assessment exercises. These allowed me to continually reflect on my development through blogs and written reflections.
My internship involved researching and recommending changes to the marketing of the Employ.ed on Campus brand and implementing aspects of the marketing strategy.
What does the Award mean for you?
I’ve benefited from the Edinburgh Award in many ways. It’s great to have the recognition from the University and to know that my extra-curricular efforts are valued. However, more importantly, I now have the skills to really focus on self-reflection to ensure personal development. The benefits of this programme are definitely going to be long lasting.
What would you say to others about your experience?
I’d definitely recommend other students get involved in the Edinburgh Award because it encourages you to reflect on your growth, which is incredibly useful and often neglected.
Find out more
Any student at the University involved in an activity listed on the Edinburgh Award website, can apply to take part. The Award is designed to help you:
- increase your self-awareness
- capitalise on your existing strengths
- develop new skills and abilities
- have impact wherever you are
- confidently market yourself, providing evidence of what you have to offer
To see the list of activities currently eligible for the Edinburgh Award and to get involved, visit the webpages:
For more stories like Declan’s go to: