Students - Give Yourself An EDGE

Now more than ever (thanks Miss. 'Rona), students face extreme competition to stand out when applying for placement or graduate jobs. Students must consider their goals, experience and what makes them attractive to potential employers. One way that universities can help is through formally recognising extra-curricular activities, and in Ulster University, this comes in the form of the EDGE Award.

Nowadays, employers require individuals who are adaptable, flexible and willing to work both independently and as part of a team, regardless of your industry. Universities UK responded to the publication of updated statistics regarding graduate employment:

"Skilled graduates are increasingly in demand from employers, and UK universities are working harder than ever to ensure that graduates in every discipline pick up the diverse range of skills that will be essential to them throughout their lives...The ability to think critically and to analyse and present evidence are skills that enrich graduates' lives, and last for life."

Nicola Dandridge, Chief Executive of Universities UK

How can you help your employment prospects?

In first year, my university's careers team told us about Ulster University’s EDGE (Engagement, Development, Graduate Employability) Award, which students could apply for in April of final year. The Award provides students with the ability to partake in and gain formal recognition for activities outside of their academic studies.

Most universities offer similar schemes to the EDGE Award. Completing this alongside a degree enables students to gain, develop and strengthen skills before entering graduate life.

What is Ulster University's EDGE Award? 

The EDGE Award is kindly sponsored by PwC and provides students with the ability to explore opportunities beyond the typical university experience. 

There are two levels: the EDGE Award involves completing 4 activities and the EDGE Excel Award involved completing 6 activities. There are different categories that activities can fall under, so it’s worth taking a look at where completing the EDGE award could take you. The 6 categories are Career & Skills Development; Civic Contribution; Work experience, Placements & Internships; Subject Specific Opportunities, Developing a Global Vision and Students Union Activities, Roles & Societies.  

EDGE activities can be directly linked to your study field, or you can explore different personal or academic interests too, so there is a lot of scope! If you are an Ulster University student, it’s worth taking a look at the Ulster University Employability and Careers page for more information. 

For me, the range of EDGE activities included Course Representation, University Officers’ Training Corps Leadership Programme, International Placement, short-term placements, alongside volunteer opportunities both locally and internationally. By completing the activities, I gained a better understanding and control of my personal and professional development journey, which is invaluable in moving forward into graduate employment and beyond.

Why get involved? What are the benefits?  

Regardless of what you are studying and/or in what industry you are working, all careers require individuals who are adaptable, flexible and willing to work both independently and as part of a team. Completing EDGE activities enables students to gain, develop and strengthen these skills before entering graduate employment.  

Ulster University Employability & Careers can help with an activity plan, so you can pay a visit or use the online chat to ask any questions you might have. You don't need to decide all of the activities you are going to do when you register, only think about the next one! 

Many activities which qualify for EDGE accreditation you are probably already doing, so make sure to make them count! A part-time job could be assisted by a personal development extra-curricular module; an employer insight programme could lead to a year-long placement, and this could even lead to a graduate job. Think of EDGE activities like stepping stones!

If you're not at Ulster University, it's likely that your university offers a similar scheme to the EDGE Award. Completing this alongside a degree enables students to gain, develop and strengthen skills before entering graduate life. Accreditation applies to an array of activities. You likely are already on your way to having the EDGE!