The EP Scheme for Postgraduate Students!
In 2018-19, over 1,100 postgraduate students enhanced their employability through the University of Kent’s EP Scheme, collectively earning over 93,000 points!
As a PGT or PGR student, there are countless ways to earn points and some key examples include:
- The Global Skills Award (PGT only)
- Becoming a Student Rep
- Student Ambassador Scheme
- Attending and presenting at conferences.
- Research training
- And much more!
Check out below some case studies of students who benefited through the EP Scheme whilst undertaking a taught postgraduate programme and/or a PhD!
Rowena Bicknell: PhD
Rowena achieved an astonishing 2,445 points during her time as a postgraduate student at Kent. This was attained through a vast range of activities, including Presidency of the Kent Graduate Student Association (KGSA), attending the Researcher Development Programme and membership of Kent Union’s Societies Executive, to name a few examples!
Not only did Rowena develop a range of essential work-ready skills, but she was recognised for efforts by gaining the chance to complete rewards with organisations such as the Civil Service Fast Stream, Shepherd Neame and Kent Fire and Rescue!
Swapnil Shah: MSc in Computer Science
During his MSc, Swapnil earned 330 points by undertaking an array of activities. Swapnil gained over 100 points through his completing of the Global Skills Award and beyond this, he completed Study Plus Courses, helped a business with their website development and attending business networking events.
Due to his commitment to develop his employability skills, Swapnil was rewarded with a 10-week internship with multi-award winning digital marketing agency, Reflect Digital! Working in the website development team, Swapnil absolutely ‘loved’ his internship, which was characterised with ‘lots of coding’. Beyond this, he significantly extended his technical knowledge, gained the chance to create websites and tools for clients and most importantly, gained a new found confidence to apply for graduate roles!
Sam Hales: PhD
In the space of one academic year, Sam earned an impressive 570 points! As Sam found himself attending a range of conferences, associated with his PhD topic, he quickly racked up a number of points (in addition to essential work-ready skills. Sam also gained points by organising seminal impact events through the School of Psychology, working part-time as a Research Assistant and having some of his research published as a book chapter!
Sam was rewarded with his efforts with both Chaucer Speakers Club and the Civil Service Fast Stream, with the latter providing him first-hand insight into the inner workings of the Home Office, Ministry of Justice and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
Sam commented that the EP Scheme ‘opened up doors and allowed me to do things that typically I wouldn’t be able to do.’
Maxine Hart, MA in First World War Studies
During her time at Kent, which included both studies at undergraduate and postgraduate level, Maxine earned nearly 900 points!
Specifically during her MA, Maxine undertook a huge range of activities including the Global Skills Award, Ambassadorial work for the Age of Revolutions project, attended a range of conferences across Europe and volunteering work for the Historic Dockyard Chatham.
Due to her efforts, Maxine was rewarded with work experience placements with both the National Trust and the Historic Dockyard Chatham. Both these experiences confirmed to Maxine that she wanted to start a career in the heritage sector, specifically in relation to the conservation of historical items. “It was the perfect blend of both science and history” she reflected.
Maxine also gained further rewards with BAE Systems, the Royal Engineers Museum and Chaucer Speakers Club, which furthered her experience and skills.
As a result of her EP work experience placement, Maxine continued as a volunteer for the Historic Dockyard and soon secured a paid position as a Learning Assistant, where she is responsible for delivering workshops and tours to school groups.
Reflecting on her overall EP journey, Maxine commented:
“As a result of my experiences at the Historic Dockyard Chatham and the National Trust, I now have a real passion for heritage and conservation. I now know what I want to do for my career and have the experience to do so, and this was only possible due to the Employability Points Scheme.”
For more information on the EP Scheme, please visit www.kent.ac.uk/employabilitypoints
If you are a postgraduate student and still not sure how the scheme can benefit you, please contact the team via employabilitypoints@kent.ac.uk