University of Kent's Employability Points Scheme
The University of Kent’s Employability Points Scheme encourages students to engage with extra-curricular activities and rewards the most engaged students with internships, work experience placements, vouchers and much more.
For each extra-curricular activity completed, students can claim ‘points’ and towards the end of each academic year, these points can be redeemed for ‘rewards’ offered by the external business community. See: www.kent.ac.uk/employabilitypoints
My Employability Points
I have achieved 2140 employability points
Volunteering (KSCV Bronze, Silver, Gold, Gold +, Platinum over 4 years) - 385 points awarded overall
Last updated 20 March 2019, 10:12
Throughout my four years at the University of Kent (including my Placement Year), I have partaken in many different volunteering opportunities, been a committee member of several societies, and been an integral part of GK Union's multiple student groups (including Societies Council and Volunteering Committee at Medway). Specific volunteering projects included the Blythswood Shoebox Appeal (which involved filling and checking shoeboxes with clothing, sweets etc. to then send out to countries in need of necessities), being President of Raise and Give Medway (raising money for charities including helping to raise over £15,000 for the Movember Foundation and taking part in a £2,500 raising 24 hour arts marathon with People United), being a committee member for Medway Gaming Society (hosting four different gaming evenings a week and handling all social media channels), volunteering as part of the Medway Right To Read Scheme (going into Primary School's and reading with children to help improve their reading and speaking skills), and being a Fresher's Helper/Team Leader (moving in new students to their accommodation, leading Fresher's Week events, and aiding in the organisation of Fresher's Fair).
All of these varying volunteering activities and more have aided me in gaining the skills that I currently have, and the positions I flourish in. My volunteering experiences have not only allowed me to gain a high number of Employability Points, but also given me the skills to find work and a future, hopefully prosperous, career.
Student Ambassador (University of Kent/Kent Business School/Placement) - 90 points awarded
Last updated 20 March 2019, 10:09
Since my first year at the University of Kent, I have been a devout ambassador for each department I'm a part of. From being a University of Kent ambassador (leading open days, speaking at lectures etc.), a Kent Business School ambassador (going further in-depth into the Business and Management course, managing groups of students, and working the reception at the Sail and Colour Loft), and a Placement Ambassador (speaking one on one with students regarding how to apply and get a placement).
Each of these roles has involved me receiving training (such as learning the 'Stepping Up' programme), and enhancing my skills even further, and in a paid role.
Employability Points Ambassador - 50 points awarded
Last updated 20 March 2019, 10:05
After the interview process, I was awarded a position as the Medway Student Ambassador for the Employability Points Scheme. This position offered me further opportunities to communicate with peers and staff alike, use my enterprising skills to single-handedly perform pop-up events, marketing through social media channels, as well as organise and plan a campus-wide event.
Through this entire final year where I have been the Employability Points Ambassador, I've had to utilize many skills that I have shown in various other areas; these skills include: advertising (creating and designing a poster and additional digital marketing), planning and organisation (through the Medway Apprentice Challenge; a campus-wide event to include all societies), self-reliance/motivation (being the sole Medway representative for the Scheme and having to organise most shout-outs/pop-ups for myself), and enthusiasm and knowledgeability for the Scheme (to encourage others to partake in it, gain points, and be rewarded).
EPS Reward 2 (75 Points) - Shepherd Neame Experience Day
Last updated 19 March 2019, 14:57
Through this reward, I was able to gain further knowledge of marketing and sales within the food/drinks/restaurant industry, as well as the opportunity to create and pitch an idea (in this case, a new product range for Shepherd Neame). The networking opportunities, as well as the entrepreneurial and creativity that was necessary to successfully pitch a product, was well founded with this reward.
Profile information
- First name: J.
- Last name: Small
- Email address: js945@kent.ac.uk
Part-Time Work (T.M. Lewin) - 30 points awarded
Last updated 19 March 2019, 14:12
In my final year, I decided to get further retail experience by applying to work part-time at T.M. Lewin, the menswear retailer. Through this position as a Sales Advisor, I've had the opportunity to further improve skills such as communication (through talking to customers of varying backgrounds and selling them on a product), problem-solving (finding the correct attire for a customer, even if the chosen clothing item is not available in their size; finding alternatives), teamwork (working with a group of employees to meet store targets, linked sales, footfall percentages etc.), and maintaining a wide array of positive attributes such as energy, drive, reliability, and confidence while in the workplace; attributes that will no doubt serve me well in my future career.
Student Volunteer Week Organisation/Hosting - 100 points awarded
Last updated 20 March 2019, 10:03
For Student Volunteer Week, myself and others on the Volunteering Committee (including the Volunteering Co-Ordinator for Medway) decided on a set of volunteering activities we would set up throughout the week. This resulted in volunteering events such as Post Pals (writing letters to sick children), a litter pick, volunteering at the Bargain Corner (helping to sell donated clothing and other items), fundraising, and completing an art marathon.
Despite the lack of attendance from other committee members throughout the week, I hosted each event I was capable of attending (including leading the art marathon from 10 till 3 on the Friday) testing my leadership skills, management skills, and setting an example to others.
EP Reward (150 points) - People United Work Experience
Last updated 20 March 2019, 10:01
At the end of my first year, I applied for Work Experience with People United, a charity dedicated to spreading kindness through the arts, as it appeared to go well with my interests and experience up to that point (volunteering, raising money, etc.). After the interview process, I was rewarded with a week-long project with People United, aiding in the planning of an event, Best Fest 2016.
In the lead up to Best Fest, I worked with children and People United staff to create a large art piece as well as other structures that were to be in place on the day of the event. This involved creativity, positivity, and energy in order to keep up with the children, and create pieces for the event. It also involved teamwork when working with other volunteers and staff to set up the event and all the surrounding pieces. It also aided with networking opportunities as, since then, I've been able to work with People United on many other charity projects.
