Ulster University’s EDGE Award is a formal acknowledgement of students who enhance their academic study with valuable learning experiences outside the classroom such as volunteering, studying abroad and work placements. It helps to boost graduates’ career opportunities through evidence of key transferable skills that are highly sought after by employers.
Over the next three years, PwC will support the Award with the development of new EDGE activities such as student mentoring, work experience opportunities, employability workshops and the creation of a new student ambassador network. The network will develop student ambassadors who will engage with peers about the benefits of extra-curricular activities. They will provide practical advice around completing the Award, helping to support fellow students who want to stand out from the crowd in a competitive graduate employment marketplace.
Stephanie Gowdy, Student Recruitment Senior Manager from PwC said: “While obtaining a good degree is a requirement for the graduate job market it doesn't necessarily lead to guaranteed employment. Employers like PwC value drive, commitment, ability to work as a team and leadership capabilities. Supporting the EDGE award reinforces our commitment to helping students develop and build these skills, helping them to become more competent, confident and career ready. We see this partnership as an investment in the future labour market.”
Andrew McFadden, third year law and criminology student at Ulster University has just recently signed up for the EDGE Award. He said: “The Award is a great opportunity to showcase to potential employers that I have enriched my academic learning with industry-relevant knowledge and skills, such as team working, communication, leadership and time management. It will help to set me apart from other applicants in such a competitive job market.
“As part of the Award I have been volunteering at my local GAA club helping to coach the under 8's, as well as assisting with youth camps and acting as club culture officer. I'm also President of the UUSU Law Society and was chair of the UUSU Student Council for 2015/16. With the Award on my CV I can clearly demonstrate all the invaluable skills I have developed as part of these extra-curricular experiences.”