At Queen’s University Belfast, the Future-Ready Skills for Leaders programme has made a significant impact on students’ personal and professional development. Participants of the program have shared their positive feedback, highlighting the transformative nature of the experience. In this blog post, we will delve into the students’ feedback and explore the valuable lessons they gained from the programme. Their testimonials demonstrate the program’s effectiveness in fostering growth, building confidence, and preparing students for future career success.
- A Journey of Self-Discovery: Many students expressed how the programme provided them with insights into their own strengths and areas for improvement. They appreciated the thought process behind each activity, which kept them engaged and motivated throughout the three-day duration. The experience pushed them out of their comfort zones, leading to personal growth and an enhanced understanding of themselves.
What our students say: “Participating in the Future-Ready Program has been an incredible journey for me. It taught me so much about myself, my strengths, and areas for improvement.”
- Importance of Teamwork and Communication: Students recognized the significance of teamwork, communication, and collaboration through their participation in real-world problem-solving activities. They appreciated the opportunity to work with peers from different degree backgrounds, which provided them with a diverse range of ideas and perspectives. The programme emphasized the value of effective communication and showcased the power of working together as a team.
What our students say: “This was a significant learning experience as it taught me the importance of teamwork, communication, and collaboration. We got to work on real-world problems and provided solutions that were innovative and practical.”
- Confidence Boost and Leadership Skills: The Future-Ready programme played a crucial role in boosting students’ confidence and developing their leadership skills. Engaging in activities such as pitch presentations and marketing presentations helped students realize their communication abilities and the impact they could make through their speeches. This newfound confidence encouraged them to pursue more opportunities and take on challenging situations without panicking.
What our students say: “I learned that my communication skills were in fact good and that I was making a genuine impact with my speech. This was a real eye-opener for me because it increased my confidence as a person to pursue more opportunities in the field.”
- Networking and Connections: Participants appreciated the opportunity to network with peers from different cultural and professional backgrounds, as well as with teachers and mentors beyond their campus. The diversity of ideas and perspectives enriched their experience and expanded their professional network. They recognized the value of these connections in both their career and personal life.
What our students say: “I have made some real connections that are going to be an add-on to my career as well as my personal life.”
- Real-World Relevance and Transferable Skills: Students acknowledged the practicality and real-world relevance of the skills they acquired during the programme. They learned to handle complex tasks, manage unforeseen circumstances, and deliver professional projects with tight deadlines. The development of critical abilities such as problem-solving, negotiation, time management, and communication has equipped them to excel in future endeavours.
What our students say: “These learned skills are transferable to real-world scenarios as they will help me to deliver professional projects and tasks with tight deadlines. This would eventually help me to handle complex tasks and projects with deadlines in the future.”
Summary: The Future-Ready Skills for Leaders programme at Queen’s has empowered students to discover their strengths, improve their communication and leadership skills, embrace teamwork, expand their network, and develop transferable skills. By participating in this transformative experience, students have gained the confidence and readiness to face future challenges and excel in their professional lives. The Future-Ready programme continues to be a valuable opportunity for students seeking personal and professional growth.
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