Communication. Adaptability. Leadership. Resilience. At first glance, these might merely sound like the buzzwords listed on every job description. However, the Bath Award allowed me to see these competencies as far more than just buzzwords; instead, these are skills that can be intentionally developed and practised over time.
Hi, I am Kiera, and as a final-year BSc Psychology student with aspirations to become a genetic counsellor and therefore needing to apply for a highly competitive NHS Scientist Training Programme place post-graduation, I saw the Bath Award as a great opportunity to develop professional skills that will support me in a future healthcare career.
What the Bath Award involves
To complete the Bath Award, I had to log 50 hours of extra-curricular activity (which I accumulated through my job at the Gainsborough Bath Spa Hotel and through volunteering and fundraising for a charity in the DRC) and also complete four pieces of professional development for each of my chosen capabilities listed above.
What I found most valuable was the opportunities that the Bath Award gave me to take ownership of my professional development while providing the structured support – for example through university-led workshops and online course recommendations – to enable me to do so. By completing workshops, academic readings, and the online courses to develop my four competencies, the award encouraged me to really understand these skills, rather than just evidence that I possessed them. Additionally, it allowed me to acknowledge areas for improvement in these skills and actionable ways in which I could improve them, an important self-awareness needed in the professional world.
Building confidence and preparing for the future
The award also provided me with greater confidence in my abilities to communicate these skills, given that we were encouraged to write reflections following each activity for the competencies. As I apply for the NHS Scientist Training Programme, I feel much better equipped to write my personal statement and reflect on my experiences, like my DRC fundraising/volunteering and how these have helped prepare me for a career in healthcare.
Advice and final reflections
For any students thinking about applying for the Bath Award, definitely go for it, knock yourself out! With the support of the university, this is such a great way to gain new skills and/or build on existing skills that you will no doubt require throughout your student life and far beyond. I would advise not seeing the award as simply completing activities or adding another achievement to your CV; view it as an opportunity to understand your strengths and weaknesses better, with intention, which will be invaluable for your professional development.
For a bit more practical guidance, I also recommend spacing out your workshops, online courses, readings, etc. throughout the year. It makes the activities for the award seem less like a tick-box and more of a constructive and enjoyable break away from your academics. Also, by not leaving the workshops till last minute in May, you have a greater chance of finding workshops that genuinely interest you and will be of use to you, as there are lots to choose from throughout the year.
All in all, I am really grateful to the University of Bath for providing me and other students with such a constructive, supportive opportunity to thrive in professional skill development. I hope to keep building on the competencies I developed through the award by utilising the tips and tricks I learnt in the workshops, courses, and readings. As I enter the professional world and (hopefully!) start my Scientist Training Programme in the near future, I know that communication, adaptability, leadership and resilience will continue to be essential, which is why the Bath Award has been such an amazing way to prepare me for what’s to come!
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