Supporting Student Employability (2019)

Tell us a bit about your role…

My role is provide careers and employability to students both in my departments (Life Science and Engineering) and across the whole university. I see students on a one to one basis to help them think about life after Warwick and I also deliver group work in the curriculum to give students employability skills.

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Tell us about your award-winning project/work…

I have been working with the School of Life Science for over 4 years and during that time I have built up a consistent careers education programme and contributed to a year on year increase in destination figures. Forming close relationships between central services and departments can sometimes be challenging at Warwick and I am really pleased to have been able to create such a collaborative partnership. I feel part of the SLS community and I am extremely proud to have been able to contribute to the department in a positive way.

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How does it feel to have won the Supporting Student Employability Award?

Shocked and humbled! I was so proud to have been recognised by colleagues and nominated for this award. It was also really nice to read some of the student feedback about the work I have done. There are so many amazing people who work at Warwick and to have got this far has really inspired me to continue to work to make Warwick an even better university

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Why do you think people should get involved with nominating for the University Awards?

I think it is so important to recognise colleagues in this way for their achievements. I never cease to be surprised by the work that people do and the devotion that people here have to students. I think there are many many people working here who are deserving of a University Award.

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What was a personal highlight for you from the Summer Party on 24 June? (Other than winning, of course!)

Its been a long time since I’ve been on a waltzer and I’d say that having my internal organs crushed through G-force certainly stands out. Also Trish Adudu saying she liked my hat was up there as well.

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The University Awards are a great way for the University to improve and learn from staff initiatives over the year. If you could change one thing at the University, what would it be?

I think perhaps, and I am certainly guilty of this as well, there can be a tendency to use more words that are strictly necessary to get a point across in meetings. I think sometimes getting to the heart of matters more quickly might see meetings shorten considerably.

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What would you like to say to the person – or people – who nominated you?

A massive thank you! It was great to hear that not only has my work been a success in my department but that also I have been able to build personal relationships with my colleagues. I really appreciate you all.

Also to the person who nominated my anonymously and whose words ended up on my award certificate – I don’t think anyone has ever said anything so nice to me and I am truly grateful to have been able to work with you.

None of the work I have done would have been possible without outstanding colleagues throughout the university and it really is a privilege to be here.

David Molyneux collecting the Supporting Student Employability Award at the Summer Party.