Tag: motivation

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Career Options Career planning employability Future-Ready Skills Graduate success

Are you Future-Ready?

As a student, you are on a journey to build a foundation for your future career. However, being future-ready is more than just getting good grades or completing a degree. It requires a set of skills and competencies that will prepare you to thrive in the workplace and make a positive impact in the world. Here are some tips to help you become future-ready while at Queen’s University Belfast.

Be curious

Curiosity is a key driver of learning and growth. It helps you to explore new possibilities, discover innovative solutions, and enhance your creativity. To nurture your curiosity, be open to new experiences and perspectives. Take advantage of opportunities to study abroad, attend workshops and conferences, or engage in extracurricular activities. Stay curious about the world around you, and never stop learning.

Be kind

Empathy is a fundamental human trait that is essential for building relationships, fostering collaboration, and creating positive change. To develop your empathy skills, practice active listening, express appreciation and gratitude, and show compassion towards others. Build a supportive network of peers, mentors, and advisors who can help you navigate the challenges of university life and beyond.

Develop resilience

Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks, adapt to change, and overcome adversity. It is a critical skill for success in the workplace, where you will face numerous challenges and obstacles. To develop resilience, practice self-care, seek support from others, and learn from your failures. Challenge yourself to take on new tasks and responsibilities, and use them as opportunities for growth and learning.

Foster your creativity

Creativity is the ability to generate new and innovative ideas that can solve problems, inspire change, and create value. To foster your creativity, engage in activities that inspire you and allow you to express your unique talents and perspectives. Join clubs and societies that align with your interests and passions, and collaborate with others to develop new projects and initiatives.

Learn to work in teams

Teamwork is a fundamental skill that is essential for success in the workplace. To develop your teamwork skills, seek out opportunities to collaborate with others on projects, volunteer in your community, or participate in extracurricular activities. Learn to communicate effectively, listen actively, and contribute to a shared goal. Take on leadership roles where you can guide and support others towards a common objective.

Inspire action

Action is the ability to take initiative, make decisions, and achieve your goals. To inspire action, identify your passions, strengths, and values, and pursue them with purpose and determination. Take calculated risks, learn from your mistakes, and seek out opportunities to make a positive impact in your community and beyond. Be a role model for others by demonstrating integrity, honesty, and ethical behaviour.

Summary

In conclusion, being future-ready is a journey that requires continuous learning, growth, and development. By adopting these tips and strategies, you can prepare yourself to succeed in the workplace and make a meaningful contribution to society. Remember, your time at Queen’s University Belfast is an opportunity to build a strong foundation for your future, so make the most of it!

Read more: Go.qub.ac.uk/futurereadygraduates

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advice Gradfest2021 motivation resilience self-motivation

‘They will be innovators’

After leaving school at 16 and sleeping rough in London, Scottish born entrepreneur Mike Stevenson turned his life around when he returned to finish his education at the age of 22.  He went on to found an award-winning marketing and design agency and has since built a reputation throughout the UK as an inspirational speaker, trainer and creative consultant through his company Thinktastic. 

As the keynote speaker at Gradfest2021 – a six-week online careers festival for graduates of Queen’s University Belfast – Mike will motivate and inspire university-leavers to persevere in the pursuit of their dreams. With the COVID-19 pandemic changing the way people live, work and socialise, Mike believes this will accelerate demand for innovation among today’s graduates.  

Mike says: “I really do believe we are approaching the most transformational period in human history and that means there are opportunities, particularly for graduates who are leaving university now with all the skills and attributes that they bring to the world. It won’t happen overnight; they may face pitfalls and rejections. I have been through that, so I can tell them how to make sure that each time they fall, they emerge stronger. I left school at 16, I slept out on the streets of London; I didn’t set up my own business until I was 43 and then became an award-winning entrepreneur. 

“As the pace of change accelerates, extraordinary organisations will shape the future – not play catch-up. They will be creative, fearless and collaborative. They will be the innovators.”

Trevor Johnston, Head of Careers, Employability and Skills at Queen’s University Belfast said: “We are delighted to welcome Mike to Gradfest2021. It goes without saying that this has been a very challenging year for our students and graduates who should be commended for completing their studies under unusual circumstances.  

“The achievements of our latest cohort of Queen’s graduates is a testament to their commitment and resilience and we are extremely proud of how they have persevered and adapted. 

“Mike’s story is one of spirit and determination and we are confident he will inspire our students to stay agile as they press forward, ultimately raising their aspirations as they continue on their career journey.”

Mike joins a line-up of speakers comprising Queen’s alumni, students, business leaders and sponsors who will stream live to students via the Queen’s Careers, Employability and Skills Instagram handle @QUBCAREERS throughout Gradfest2021.

Trevor says: “Instagram is a powerful tool to connect with our student and graduate audience. By streaming live on the platform, Mike and his fellow speakers will be able to connect with the audience in real time and respond to questions via the comment box during the live stream. We hope that by using this unique live video strategy, we can show our student audience a less filtered and more human side of our speakers.”

Alongside live streamed employer Q&As, resilience coaching and alumni success stories, Queen’s graduates can search and apply for jobs via the Gradfest2021 site and access careers advice and support via the live chat function. 

Mike Stevenson will be live streaming his keynote speech via the @QUBCAREERS Instagram page on Friday 11 June at 12pm. The recorded video will also be available on demand via the Gradfest2021 site. For more information visit GO.QUB.AC.UK/GRADFEST2021

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Advent Calendar advice goals motivation self-motivation

Careers Advent Calendar: Three top tips for Self-Motivation

1.Only compete with yourself

Comparing yourself to others can leave you flat, when it comes to self-motivation, it’s much better to set your own benchmark. Set yourself daily or weekly targets that move you closer to where you want to be.

2. Back yourself

Imagine someone asked you to describe what was so great about your best friend. Now imagine they asked you the same question about yourself. Would you be as kind about yourself as you are about others? Whether it’s through daily affirmations or just by talking to yourself more kindly, positive self-talk can super charge your motivation.

3. Show the haters

There is nothing like the promise of proving the haters wrong to speed you along the path towards your goals. Next time you are lacking motivation, think about that person who said you couldn’t and aim to prove them wrong. 

For more top tips on interpersonal skills, visit the skills section of our site