Hayah Saleem

What made you sign up for the Warwick Award? What was the appeal?

I signed up for the Warwick Award because, as an international student, I wanted to make the most of every opportunity on campus and build skills beyond my academics. I’ve been involved in societies, volunteering and leadership roles, and the Award felt like a meaningful way to bring all of these experiences together and recognise how they’ve shaped me. It offered a way to reflect on my growth while helping me strengthen my employability in a simple and impactful way.

Have you found the Award platform easy to use and manage your progress?

Yes! The Warwick Award platform was very straightforward to navigate, and it made managing my progress super easy. I liked being able to see everything in one place, from the activities I had already completed to the skills I was developing. Being able to track my points encouraged me to keep engaging with new opportunities across campus.

What are some activities you’ve completed that have contributed towards your Award progress? What sort of skills did they help you develop?

My Warwick Award progress came from a mix of experiences from my summer internships, my role as a Warwick Welcome Service Ambassador, my position as President of Warwick PakSoc, executive roles in other societies, and my involvement in Formula Student. These experiences helped me in different ways. Leading societies improved my communication and teamwork, internships developed my professionalism and problem-solving, and Formula Student enhanced my digital literacy and understanding of working in large teams. Altogether, they allowed me to build a broad set of skills for my future career.

Which of the 12 core skills at the heart of the Award do you think are the most important ones for students to develop?

For me, the most important skills are self-awareness, communication, and adaptability. Being self-aware helps you understand how you approach problems and interact with others, which is key to learning and improving. Strong communication ensures your ideas are understood and that you can work effectively with a team, while adaptability allows you to respond confidently to unexpected challenges.

How did it feel when you achieved the Warwick Award?

Achieving the Warwick Award was a truly rewarding experience. The Award offers a platform that empowers students to reflect on their growth and take pride in their achievements. When I look back at my time at Warwick, the Award will serve as a reminder of everything I accomplished and all the effort I invested in making the most of my opportunities.

How useful do you think your achievements in the Warwick Award will be when you think about life after graduation?

I see my Warwick Award achievements as a strong foundation for life after graduation. The skills and experiences I’ve gained, from teamwork and communication to problem-solving and professionalism, will help me adapt to new challenges and stand out to employers. The Award also serves as a reminder of what I’ve achieved and the skills I’ve built, giving me confidence as I take the next steps in my career.