Edinburgh Award
My three chosen skills for the Edinburgh award are Assertiveness, Decision-Making, and Ethics, Sustainability, and Social Responsibility.
The skill that I focused on most with my career coach was Assertiveness. I had chosen this skill because I associated it with building confidence, professionalism, and the ability to speak comfortably in front of people. I knew that I severely lacked confidence, especially in workplace settings, so this skill became the core of my development this year.
I am most proud of my development of this skill because when I began the process, the word “assertive” alone made me uncomfortable. Through coaching, we were able to kind of redefine it and apply it in a way that met my needs but also still pushed me out of my comfort zone.
I also knew I needed to work on this skill before I could really focus on the other two. Without confidence, decision-making is, of course, a lot more difficult because I didn’t trust myself enough. This becomes especially true when the decisions pertain to ethical and wider social issues.
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I have been doing career 1:1s to discuss professionalism, prepare for job applications, interviews, and self-pitching. As well as to identify and discuss what my strengths and weaknesses are, and how I can use this self-awareness in the job application process. We also, of course, worked on my resume to help get my foot in the door.
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Through my impact activities, I have become more confident and comfortable in situations where previously I had been anxious and introverted. This confidence has helped me to use my voice more, make suggestions, and share what I think. I have also become more optimistic both professionally and personally. And through this development, I believe I am more self-aware in a way that is less critical.
In terms of my impact on those around me, as a Programme Representative, I have become a more thoughtful and vocal advocate for others, I have had stronger and more honest conversations, I have provided a safe space for people to approach me and share their thoughts, and through this confidence I’ve built, I have been able to make more relationships that I am really proud of.
Activities to achieve Award:
- Two Career 1:1 sessions with an assigned career coach
- One additional Strengths Training session to assess and identify my strengths and weaknesses in relation to career preparedness and development.
- 20 hours of Skills Training (16hrs required).
- 28 hours of Impact Activities (22hrs required).
- Attend three input sessions with fellow Award participants to discuss progress.
- Present to fellow Award participants at the final input session, sharing your journey