Student Profile: Elizabeth Featherstone

Name: Elizabeth Featherstone

Course: BSc (Hons) Biology

Did you complete any of the advanced skills workshops in your subject area?

I attended the Futures events: Lab-on-a-chip, Molecular Bacterial Identification Lab: Advanced Skills, Risk Management for Scientists/Engineers, and DNA Virtual Lab and Augmented Reality: Biology Taster. These workshops gave me the opportunity to work “hands-on” with many concepts discussed in lectures, making me feel more equipped to work in a lab environment. This is beneficial towards my career as lab experience and confidence in my work is vital.

Have you attended any interdisciplinary workshops this year?

Drug Design: Computational Insights (Chemistry), NMR: Advanced Analysis Techniques, Drugs of Abuse: Detection and Analysis, Spanish (1-week beginner course). I found that these workshops expanded my knowledge both around my subject area and in general. For example, in Drug Design, we looked at how chemists design drugs using computers. This gave me a lot of insight into what goes on after a biologist has found an interesting compound. In the Spanish course, I learned about Spanish culture as well as the language, thus better preparing me to work as part of an interdisciplinary team.

Which workshops would you recommend?

Army Leadership and Teamwork Training and a Cultural Awareness workshop. Firstly, I recommend the cultural awareness workshop provided by Futures because this workshop made me realise that my knowledge about my own culture and other peoples was severely lacking. This workshop made me realise that in order to respect someone and treat them fairly it’s important to know about their culture. This prompted me to start Manchester Met’s Multicultural society. The second workshop I would recommend is the Army Leadership workshop. This workshop is absolutely incredible, it provided you with a new may of thinking and problem solving. It also gets you to evaluate how you perform in  a team and what role you are most comfortable in. However, I think the biggest gain from this is confidence, I found that after attending this workshop I was much more comfortable within a leadership role within a team.

Has the Futures programme given you the confidence to try something that you may not have done before?

Over the time I have spent completing the Futures Award my confidence has increased dramatically. Before attending Futures I couldn’t speak in front of small groups or speak on camera. Since completing the Futures programme, I have now found that I can speak in front of large audiences, on camera and I am comfortable teaching my subject area to younger generations. I believe that Futures has given me the confidence and knowledge to be comfortable in many situations that would have previously made me nervous.

What do you think the benefits of taking part in the programme are for students from the Faculty of Science and Engineering?

The benefits are simple, you will increase your knowledge about your subject and other subject areas, and you will increase your confidence. With both of these combined, your academic performance should benefit and also your employability!

Can you describe Futures in one word or sentence?

Futures is crucial when preparing for employment.

Interested? Find out more about the Futures Award here!

 

Student Profile: Habiba Bibi

 

Habiba: Second from the left, top row

Name: Habiba Bibi

Course: BSc (Hons) Psychology

Why did you decide to take part in the Futures Award programme?

I took part in the Futures Award to be able to gain skills that will help me to progress in the world of work, to better understand what to expect and how to prepare for working in the future.

Has the Futures Award programme given you the confidence to try something that you may not have done before?

Futures has given me the confidence to move out of my comfort zone and be able to challenge myself; the chance to learn the language Arabic at a beginner’s level is one example. In undertaking this workshop, I was taught and learned a great deal about the Arabic language and culture, which was fascinating.

Would you recommend the Futures Award to current students?

The Futures Award scheme is a fantastic programme to get involved in, it encourages the exploration of new areas of learning, helps improve skills, teaches preparation for the world of work and to get involved in a variety of fun and interesting activities.

Can you summarise Futures in one word or sentence?

Futures is definitely something every student should participate in and just have fun alongside completing their degrees, because it definitely is beneficial.

Interested in the Futures Award? Find out more here!

Student Profile: Miles Capper

Name: Miles Capper

Course: BSc Chemistry

Did you complete any of the advanced skills workshops in your subject area?

One of my final year modules was Environmental Risk management which involved the use of software that I was unfamiliar with. I was also aware that I could complete a Lynda.com course to count towards my Futures Award. I was able to complete two courses that were specific to the software I was using. This was a useful interlinking of my subject area and the Futures programme which was beneficial to me getting the grade I wanted.

Have you attended any of the interdisciplinary workshops this year?

Like many students, I was required to take up a part time job to fund myself throughout my studies. Initially, I was employed through Jobs4Students as an IT rover and was able to progress into various roles of responsibility such as IT Assistant and IT Coordinator. This employment contributed towards my Futures Award. This invaluable experience has led to me gaining professional employment with the NHS and AQA.

Which workshop(s) would you recommend and why?

The Writing Project – As I was heading into my final year I was aware that I would be required to complete a research project that would require a substantial amount of writing. I would recommend this workshop as for me it highlighted a lot of writing techniques and skills that I wasn’t aware of (or had forgotten). I credit this course in helping me to gain a First Class Honours in my dissertation as it introduced me to some new writing concepts and how to produce an engaging piece of work. Additionally, the classes were always interesting and had a friendly atmosphere.

Has the Futures programme given you the confidence to try something that you may not have done before?

I have always enjoyed writing and when I saw the chance to write for Humanity Hallows, which would count towards my Futures Award, I decided to have a go. This was one of my favourite activities as it was completely new and seeing my work published was a proud moment.

Do you think that your confidence has grown by taking part in the Futures Award?

Yes, as a lot of the time you will be taken out of your comfort zone in the outside world and the variety of activities helps you to prepare for this.

What do you think the benefits of taking part in the programme are students from the Faculty of Science and Engineering?

It can work both ways. If you want to bolster your scientific skills there are plenty of activities that will contribute towards this. Alternatively, you can do something completely new outside of your studies.

Can you summarise Futures in one word or sentence?

The opportunity to grow and develop as a person.

 

Student Profile: Rares Chirila

Name: Rares Chirila

Course: BA (Hons) Marketing Management

Why did you decide to take part in the Futures Award programme?

I decided to participate in the Futures Award as I was attracted by the variety of extra-curricular activities advertised. I wanted to have a diverse experience outside my daily lectures and tutorials, and Futures has offered this. There is at least one activity that will suit any student.

Has the Futures Award programme given you the confidence to try something that you may not have done before?

I have always found it difficult to start learning a new language. However, the Futures Award programme has provided me with the opportunity to study a selection of languages, for either beginners or advanced, in a convenient time scale for a student.

Would you recommend the Futures Award to current students?

Thinking about your future, the Futures Award provides you with extraordinary experiences and helps to develop your employability skills from day one. I believe that you, as a student, should make the most of this programme.

Has the Futures Award programe helped you to prepare for your future career?

Firstly, the Careers and Employability sessions have provided me with a better understanding of how interviews and presentations work. Also, having this practical experience before an interview, represents an advantage, as valuable tips are given. Furthermore, qualified and experienced people are there to support and advise on any situation.

Personally, I want to thank them for giving me the opportunity to try all of these before going into full-time employment, as this has given me a far greater advantage and helped me to get the job that I wanted with my first application.

Can you summarise Futures in one word or sentence?

Think about it, it is your future!

Interested in the Futures Award? Find out more here!

Student Profile: Thomas Robertson

Name: Thomas Robertson

Course: MChem (Hons) Chemistry

Did you complete any of the advanced skills workshops in your subject area?

Troubleshooting Analytical Instruments: This workshop was, apart from an interesting insight into how the mechanisms of the machines I have been using in my course work, brilliant for employment prospects. The technical staff were very helpful and described common issues and how to resolve them in a variety of instruments – the sort of thing that gives you an edge in interviews and potential future jobs.

Which workshops/events would you recommend?

I would highly recommend every Futures activity however in particular would encourage people to find weaker areas on their CVs and try to attend workshops in that area. Also to try something new – so much is on offer it can be really interesting to step outside your usual academic environment and try something new.

Has the Futures programme given you the confidence to try something that you may not have done before?

Futures has helped and guided me to having more confidence in myself in unfamiliar environments and learning to express myself; be that as part of a presentation, working in a group or debating an idea with a course mate.

Do you think that your confidence has grown by taking part in the Futures Award?

Yes – I have attained the full award over the course of my degree and Futures has helped me all the way with confidence.

What do you think the benefits of taking part in the programme are for students from the Faculty of Science and Engineering?

Science and Engineering specific activities give a deeper and more specific look at subject areas or give an insight into a different area of science that you wouldn’t usually study. This can be really interesting – sometimes inspiring new approaches to work in your own field.

Can you summarise Futures in one word or sentence?

Inspiring.

Interested in the Futures Award? Find out more here!

Student Profile: Shalom Ogazi

Name: Shalom Ogazi

Course: MSc Educational Leadership and Management

Why did you decide to take part in the Futures programme?

I decided to take part in the Futures Award programme because I simply wanted to win a prize (the actual award). However, I also enjoyed acquiring skills along the way.

Has the Futures Award programme given you the confidence to try something that you may not have done before?

My confidence in meeting new people and airing my own views in a class has soared since I joined the programme.

Would you recommend the Futures Award to current students?

I definitely recommend the programme to current students and my advice would be to start early and GO FOR IT! Your life will be richer in every way and the skills you gain will help to broaden your horizons.

Has the Futures Award programme helped you to prepare for your future career?

The Futures Award programme has helped to prepare me for my future career in many ways. By sharing my ideas of the school I want to build in my home country, Nigeria after my degree with others, I get them polished and refined and I even met people who want to connect and partner with me. It’s been such a blessing!

Can you summarise Futures in one word or sentence?

Futures: Start here, go anywhere!

Interested in the Futures Award? Find out more here!

Student Profile: Kevin Hainsworth

Name: Kevin Hainsworth

Course: BA (Hons) Human Resource Management with a placement year

Why did you decide to take part in the Futures Award programme?

My plan after I graduate is to develop my professional career within the Human Resources industry. Furthermore, as a mature student, I understand that I need to make the correct choices regarding my professional future whilst ensuring that I grasp every opportunity available throughout the university. With these factors resonating in my mind, the main reason that I decided to take part in the Futures Award programme was to boost my CV and enhance my employability.

Has the Futures Award programme given you the confidence to try something new?

Through the amount of voluntary work involved to obtain this award, I would answer yes. I completed a substantial amount of this award by being a part of a society. If I had chose not to participate in this award I would not have ended up being on a committee of a society or becoming chairperson of that society the following year. Being on a societal committee gave me the confidence to apply for the chairperson role which then gave me further opportunities to develop my skills. This cascading effect stemmed from my decision to complete the Futures Award based on voluntary work, which would ensure that I gained as much as possible through completing the award.

Would you recommend the Futures Award to other students?

I would easily recommend the Futures Award to other students. Other than enhancing your employability, it looks good on your CV and it gives you something to talk about during job interviews. This may increase your prospects of obtaining the job as it shows dedication, commitment and personal improvement to your prospective employer. Furthermore, you can develop your core skills whilst learning new ones and you can attend some very interesting and exciting workshops that are free.

Has the Futures Award programme helped you to prepare for your future career?

I believe that the Futures Award and the activities I have taken part in have enhanced my skills which are vital to my career progression. For example, within HR you need the ability to think on your feet and to problem-solve whilst being able to communicate and present in a clear and concise way. These skills have been boosted while I was chairperson of the society as I had to present ideas to people internal and external to the university. I also had to communicate with a wide range of people including my committee and external organisations. Equally, when problems occurred, especially during events, I had to quickly rectify and solve the problem whilst ensuring that there was minimal disruption to the event and all of the people who attended. These situations have elevated my skills and, because these skills are essential within HR, means that I will be a more employable graduate in the future.

Can you summarise Futures in one word or sentence?

Hard work but well worth it in the end.

Student Profile: Jacek Bies

Name: Jacek Bies

Course: MA in Graphic Design and Art Direction.

Why did you decide to take part in the Futures Award programme? 

I’ve decided to get involved in as many projects as I can handle in order to challenge myself. I stayed open-minded  about MMU Futures. It’s interesting how many new things you can learn on each activity. It’s also important to be a bit flexible these days.

Has the Futures Award programme given you the confidence to try something that you may not have done before? 

As a Graphic Design student I usually work in small groups or pretty much on my own so I believe it’s crucial to get out from your comfort zone and take part in workshops you have never attended before. It’s definitely building confidence and helping to make new connections.

Would you recommend the Futures Award to current students? 

At the end of the day it’s up to each student if they want to do something or not but I would definitely recommend to get involved in Futures Award! Partly because it’s fun and partly because the busier you are the more you get done. It’s healthy.

Has the Futures Award programme helped you to prepare for your future career? If so, how?

I think it’s still helping me out as Career & Employability officers are available all summer. I’ve not only gained a lot of experience and valuable knowledge but also learned the importance of asking the right questions. It’s also very rewarding to be recognised by the University!

Can you summarise Futures in one word or sentence?

Just do it.

 

Student Profile: Samantha Pinnington

Name: Samantha Pinnington

Course: BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science

Why did you decide to take part in the Futures Award programme?

I had been completing external voluntary work to improve my social experiences and I thought that like the work that I have done outside of University, it could help to improve my confidence in social situations and to focus on abilities outside my comfort zone, whilst having the time to study.

Has the Futures Award programme given you the confidence to try something that you may not  have done before?

Yes. Most of the activities I attended were not what I would have considered relevant to my course but because of this I was able to find other activities that I could enjoy besides what I usually like to do or do well. I wouldn’t have found these other interests if I had not signed up to so many activities, all I had to do was turn up and my confidence in non-course related abilities improved.

Would you recommend the Futures Award to current students?

Yes. I would recommend the Futures Award to current students because I think it would have been a missed opportunity for myself if I hadn’t taken part when I did. It provides new personal challenges, ways to be charitable in some cases and something to gain outside your usual subject area for free.

Has the Futures Award programme helped you to prepare for your future career?

I feel that the Futures Award programme has helped when I think about what I have and have not enjoyed about University so far and these experiences each count as progression in my own personal development, which does impact on my future professional choices and options.

Can you summarise Futures in one word or sentence?

Invaluable.