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The Cardiff Global Award 2015 - 2016 Essential Guide

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Welcome to the <strong>Cardiff</strong> <strong>Award</strong>!<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Cardiff</strong> <strong>Award</strong> provides you with the opportunity to gain recognition for the skills obtained through<br />

extra-curricular activities. <strong>The</strong> <strong>Award</strong> process will improve your professionalism and employability,<br />

increase self-awareness of your skills and enable you to articulate these effectively to future recruiters.<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Award</strong> will complement your university experience and better equip you for graduate employment.<br />

<strong>The</strong> University has accepted the following definition of employability as articulated in Future Fit:<br />

Preparing Graduates for the World of Work, published by Universities UK and the Confederation of<br />

British Industry (CBI), 2009.<br />

“A set of attributes, skills and knowledge that all labour market participants should possess to ensure<br />

they have the capability of being effective in the workplace – to the benefit of themselves, their<br />

employer and the wider economy.”<br />

Put simply:<br />

“Employability is about having the capability to gain initial employment, maintain employment and<br />

obtain new employment if required.” (<strong>The</strong> Institute of Employment Studies)<br />

Research constantly indicates how competitive the graduate employment market is. It is not enough to<br />

just understand employer-relevant knowledge, skills and attitudes, you also need the capability to<br />

exploit your assets, to market them and sell them to employers. <strong>The</strong> <strong>Cardiff</strong> <strong>Award</strong> will help you to do<br />

this.<br />

“As a student of <strong>Cardiff</strong> University you will develop many marketable, work related skills and<br />

attributes through pursuing your degree scheme and the many extra-curricular opportunities offered<br />

by the University and Students Union. In a challenging time for graduate recruitment the <strong>Cardiff</strong><br />

<strong>Award</strong> will help you achieve your potential, increase your self-awareness, and communicate<br />

effectively your strengths to employers. I recommend the <strong>Cardiff</strong> <strong>Award</strong> to all our students.”<br />

Professor Colin Riordan, Vice Chancellor, <strong>Cardiff</strong> University<br />

In the Education and Skills Survey conducted by the CBI (2011), 70% of employers responded that<br />

university students needed to do more to develop their employability skills and prepare to be effective<br />

in the workplace. <strong>The</strong> 2012 High Fliers report revealed as much as a £7,000 salary gap between<br />

students with and without work experience. A recent (2013) You Gov survey found 52 per cent of<br />

graduate employers felt few graduate recruits were work-ready when they joined, with 17 per cent<br />

claiming none were prepared for work. <strong>The</strong> report also revealed that new recruits lacked basic<br />

attributes such as team work, communication, punctuality and the ability to cope under pressure.<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Award</strong> addresses this and helps you acquire key skills to complement those you may already<br />

possess and provides advice and guidance on how you can present these skills to employers. Feedback<br />

shows that 100% of <strong>Award</strong> students feel more prepared for work.<br />

2


<strong>The</strong> <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Award</strong><br />

This year we are piloting a new strand of the <strong>Cardiff</strong> <strong>Award</strong>, which focuses on giving participants the<br />

opportunity to develop their skills by participating in activities abroad. This will help to develop a set of<br />

skills to help you to become a ‘global graduate’; increasing your employability and social mobility.<br />

Employers are serious about social mobility. <strong>The</strong>y are increasingly seeking to recruit ‘global graduates’<br />

– graduates who see the world through a wider lens and who can demonstrate both global knowledge<br />

and cultural agility.<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Award</strong> is part of the University’s Internationalisation Strategy. It aims to encourage student<br />

mobility and to support students who want to spend their professional training year abroad, who want<br />

to participate in mobility schemes such as ERASMUS and seek opportunities through the <strong>Global</strong><br />

Opportunities Centre or independently. Its aim is to enable students to see the value of such activities<br />

on their own employability and equip them with the necessary skills to succeed in the global<br />

marketplace.<br />

How <strong>The</strong> <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Award</strong> Works<br />

To pass <strong>The</strong> <strong>Cardiff</strong> <strong>Award</strong> you are required to:<br />

• Undertake at least 70 hours of extra-curricular activities or work experience (40 hours must<br />

be outside of the UK).<br />

• Complete a Skills Audit at the beginning and end of the process (this will help you identify<br />

strengths and weaknesses and will aid your reflection as you approach the end of the<br />

<strong>Award</strong>).<br />

• Undertake a set number of personal development sessions.<br />

• Present a written submission to evidence your learning in the 6 prescribed skill sets,<br />

including a career-focussed CV that highlights your key skills, and an employer style<br />

application form.<br />

• Reflect on your activities (through an on-line blog, a diary or reflection sheets).<br />

• Deliver a formal presentation to university staff, followed by a formal question and answers<br />

session.<br />

<strong>The</strong> following pages go into more detail about each of these requirements.<br />

3


You must provide clear evidence that you satisfactorily demonstrate achievement of the learning<br />

outcomes. You will need to:<br />

1. To demonstrate an understanding of the term employability, specifically in terms of being a<br />

global graduate.<br />

2. To articulate how qualifying time spent abroad and intercultural activities develops your<br />

employability skills, in particular cultural agility, a global mind-set and global knowledge.<br />

3. To reflect critically on your performance, demonstrating your self-awareness and selfconfidence.<br />

4. To present and articulate the development of these employability skills through a CV and<br />

application form, and to an employer panel.<br />

5. To identify how the skills you developed during the <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Award</strong> will contribute to your lifelong<br />

learning and continuing professional development.<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Award</strong> is a self-managed personal and professional development process.<br />

Successful completion of the <strong>Award</strong> will give you:<br />

• A good understanding of the graduate recruitment process and what it means to be a global<br />

graduate.<br />

• Something different to put on your CV and LinkedIn profile.<br />

• An understanding of the global skills sought by employers.<br />

• Practical examples to provide to future employers.<br />

• Improved self-confidence and self-awareness.<br />

• Improved application and interview techniques, and presentation skills.<br />

4


Skills that make the ‘<strong>Global</strong> Graduate’<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Award</strong> will help you to develop and to articulate the following employability skills:<br />

• Self-Management<br />

A readiness to accept responsibility, to be flexible and a self-starter who demonstrates<br />

appropriate assertiveness, time management and organisational skills. Able to improve your<br />

own performance based on feedback/reflective learning. Adapting to different learning and<br />

living environments and being able to set up new support systems independently.<br />

• Team Working<br />

Working towards a common goal, understanding your role within a multi-cultural/multi-lingual<br />

team. Being adaptable, respecting others, co-operating, negotiating/persuading, and<br />

contributing to discussions. An awareness of interdependence with others is also important.<br />

• Business and Commercial Awareness<br />

Possessing a basic understanding of the key drivers for business success. Understands global<br />

and national economic concerns and keeps updated of current affairs affecting businesses and<br />

organisations. Includes the importance of innovation and taking calculated risks as well as the<br />

need to provide customer satisfaction and build customer loyalty. Understanding how you add<br />

value to an organisation.<br />

• Problem Solving<br />

<strong>The</strong> ability to demonstrate resilience and lateral thinking when approaching problems.<br />

Analysing facts and situations and applying creative thinking to develop appropriate solutions.<br />

Being able to embrace multiple perspectives and being confident enough to challenge thinking<br />

when appropriate. Identifying suitable support systems where none previously exist.<br />

• Communication and Networking<br />

Application of literacy and the ability to produce clear, structured written work as well<br />

as demonstrable oral literacy (including listening and questioning). Can use language<br />

appropriate for the situation and can communicate confidently with people of all<br />

backgrounds, cultures and/or levels of seniority.<br />

• Literacy (in any language appropriate to the situation)<br />

Can produce written documents to a high standard (punctuation, grammar and spelling)<br />

Consistently demonstrates attention to detail (will check written work for errors before<br />

submission)<br />

5


<strong>Award</strong> Requirements:<br />

Extra-Curricular Hours Guidance<br />

This gives you an idea of the sort of activities you can use to complete your 70 hours.<br />

Some activities are capped; consult the last column for details. Remember:<br />

• You must undertake a minimum of 2 activities.<br />

• At least one of your activities must be undertaken abroad.<br />

• You must undertake a minimum of 40 hours of activities abroad.<br />

• You must complete 70 hours in total.<br />

• You can claim 50% of your hours from course-based work experience programmes (if on a<br />

placement year – counting hours is not needed for this activity, as you will easily exceed the 70<br />

hours!).<br />

• This is not an exhaustive list; it has been developed to give you an idea of what can be included.<br />

• If you are involved an activity at home that is not listed then the general rule is: if you are<br />

actively involved in a project as a volunteer, or are paid to complete a task then it will count<br />

providing you are working in multi-cultural teams.<br />

• Do ask the <strong>Award</strong> team/mentors if you are unsure.<br />

Cultural Experiences<br />

Abroad<br />

Examples of Activities<br />

Experiences on or off campus, nationally or<br />

internationally that develop cultural/global<br />

awareness. You must be working with people<br />

from a diverse range of cultures<br />

Arranged On Campus Arranged independently Hours Cap<br />

Go <strong>Global</strong> Paid Experiences<br />

Study Abroad/ERASMUS<br />

Volunteering/Paid<br />

opportunities abroad through<br />

<strong>Global</strong> Opportunities<br />

AIESEC<br />

Language Course<br />

On Campus Only<br />

Languages 4 All<br />

Work Experience abroad (paid<br />

or voluntary)<br />

Involvement in extra-curricular<br />

activities whilst studying abroad<br />

Leonardo de Vinci programmes<br />

No cap<br />

On Campus Only – hours capped to a maximum<br />

of 20 and you must complete the course (proof<br />

obtained)<br />

Hours Capped<br />

Max 20 hours<br />

6


Cultural Experiences In the<br />

UK<br />

Examples of Activities<br />

Experiences on or off campus that develop<br />

cultural/global awareness. You must be<br />

working with people from a diverse range of<br />

cultures or you cannot use the experience<br />

Student Ambassadors<br />

On Campus Off Campus Hours Cap<br />

Academic Representatives<br />

International Student Welcome<br />

team<br />

<strong>Global</strong> Opportunities Ambassador<br />

AIESEC<br />

Participation in a cultural event<br />

(e.g.: Go <strong>Global</strong>)<br />

Job Shop (depends on activity)<br />

Summer internships<br />

Peer mentor<br />

No cap<br />

SDS Peer trainer<br />

NUS Roles<br />

Student support worker<br />

Sports Captain/Coach/Leader/<br />

Committee Member<br />

SU Scrutiny Team<br />

SU Part time elected officer<br />

Part time/casual work Part time/casual work 30 hours cap<br />

Sports teams Sports teams 10 hours cap<br />

Challenges & Competitions<br />

in the UK<br />

On Campus Only<br />

ENACTUS<br />

IGNITE<br />

Dream Team<br />

Concept<br />

<strong>The</strong> Innovation Challenge<br />

<strong>The</strong>se are run mainly by <strong>Cardiff</strong> University<br />

Enterprise, but there may be challenges that<br />

are run your School – only include them if<br />

working in diverse teams<br />

Hours Capped<br />

No cap<br />

<strong>Award</strong> Requirements: Workshops<br />

7


<strong>Award</strong> Requirements:<br />

Workshops<br />

• You must attend all sessions listed above to complete the <strong>Award</strong>.<br />

• In accordance with your Terms of Engagement, you could fail the <strong>Award</strong> if you do not attend the<br />

prescribed sessions.<br />

• You will be sent dates of the pre-departure workshops, they will run in May and June.<br />

• You will be informed of the date of the post departure “Returnee Event” when you return to the<br />

UK<br />

• Following this session you will need to attend an application form workshop (book via<br />

http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/careers) and and SDS Speaking and Presenting session (book via<br />

http://www.cardiffstudents.com/jobs-skills/skills-development-service/<br />

Additional Sessions<br />

• <strong>The</strong> <strong>Cardiff</strong> <strong>Award</strong> offers a number of sessions that you are free to attend as <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Award</strong><br />

students; these are not compulsory but do take advantage of them and record those you attend<br />

on your workshop sign off sheet. Some sessions will be on application forms so look out for<br />

these.<br />

• <strong>Award</strong> sessions will be advertised via the Students’ Union booking system (see below for QR<br />

code)<br />

You will need to book in advance for SDS, Careers and the non-compulsory <strong>Award</strong> sessions, some have<br />

limited capacity so DO NOT leave it too late to book.<br />

If you cannot attend a session, please make sure you cancel your sign up so someone else can take<br />

your space.<br />

If you cannot attend a compulsory session, let the <strong>Award</strong> Manager know. In accordance with<br />

your Terms of Engagement, you could fail the <strong>Award</strong> if you do not attend the prescribed<br />

sessions<br />

8


<strong>Award</strong> Requirements:<br />

Assessment<br />

Competency Based Application Form<br />

Key points to remember:<br />

• <strong>The</strong>re is a word limit of 200 words per answer.<br />

• Answer each question in detail.<br />

• Refer to your Verification Matrix as this explains the content and level required to attain a pass.<br />

• You will need to provide full, positive answers, which describe a specific situation/event, the<br />

action you took and the results achieved. Consider your role, remain focussed and state what<br />

you did. Make sure your account reflects on the event; what was accomplished and what you<br />

learnt.<br />

• A traditional style of expression, grammar and spelling is essential.<br />

Competency Based Questions:<br />

1. Describe a situation where you were successful in getting a diverse team to work together<br />

effectively?<br />

2. Describe a challenging project, activity that you have undertaken. What were the challenges<br />

and how did you overcome them?<br />

<strong>The</strong> CV<br />

MLANG students must complete a CV in the language of the county they are visiting for their placement<br />

year abroad.<br />

All students must submit a 2 page career-focused CV that clearly outlines the skills you have developed<br />

and your achievements once you have completed your hours<br />

Make sure you address cultural awareness, communication, team working, self-management, problem<br />

solving, and awareness of the sector you wish to work in following graduation<br />

Presentation<br />

How has your cultural experience developed you into a “<strong>Global</strong> Graduate”?<br />

• Explain what it means to be a global graduate with a global mind-set.<br />

• Provide evidence that demonstrates you are a “<strong>Global</strong> Graduate” – what skills have been<br />

developed as a result of your experience(s) – consider cultural awareness and agility, and teamworking<br />

and collaboration (with diverse teams)<br />

• How will your experience help you gain success in your graduate career and beyond? What do<br />

you understand about the sector you wish to enter?<br />

10


Awa<br />

<strong>Award</strong> Requirements:<br />

Self-Assessment<br />

You need to complete a self-assessment before you begin your 70 hours of work experience or extracurricular<br />

activities. This will enable you to identify and record your strengths, whilst also highlighting<br />

areas for development. After you have completed this, you may want to meet with the <strong>Award</strong> Manager<br />

to discuss areas for improvement that you want to concentrate on throughout your experience.<br />

Producing an action plan following this self-assessment is a good idea, this will improve your selfawareness<br />

and help you organise your time. It is good interview material too!<br />

<strong>Award</strong> student, Hannah Davies, used the audit and said...<br />

"Through completing the Self-Assessment Exercise at the beginning of the <strong>Award</strong> I was able to<br />

identify my strengths and weaknesses in the different skills areas. During the submission process I<br />

was able to look back on what I had written previously and detect the areas in which I had<br />

developed, this made the process a lot quicker and easier."<br />

You must complete the paper-based exercise in your <strong>Award</strong> packs. This is available to download via<br />

Learning Central so you can complete this electronically and save it to your <strong>Award</strong> folder.<br />

After you have completed your activities, you will need to repeat this exercise. This will encourage you<br />

to think about the skills you have developed over the year and help you articulate these to employers<br />

on paper and at interview.<br />

11


<strong>Award</strong> Requirements:<br />

Reflections<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Cardiff</strong> <strong>Award</strong> provides you with the opportunity to undertake experiential learning through your<br />

extra-curricular activities. This experiential learning (learning through experience) differs greatly from<br />

the structured theoretical learning you undergo at University It is largely unstructured; it is more<br />

personal, individualised and often unconsciously gained.<br />

We provide you with reflective accounts (hard and electronic copies) and encourage you to reflect after<br />

each activity.<br />

• It is important that you reflect on all of the activities and situations you were involved with<br />

during the <strong>Award</strong>.<br />

• Please use as many sheets as necessary - it will help to enhance your learning from this<br />

experience and will make evidencing your skills easier.<br />

• Your reflective accounts are not assessed but will help you pass the <strong>Award</strong> to a high standard.<br />

<strong>The</strong>re are huge benefits to reflecting, the following statements are from previous <strong>Award</strong> students:<br />

“I liked the reflection forms - really made me think about my skills”<br />

“Reflecting helped me identify my personal strengths and weaknesses, and<br />

gain very helpful professional skills that will be helpful for me in my future<br />

career”<br />

<strong>The</strong> skill of being able to record and reflect on your learning, and the ability to articulate what you have<br />

learnt is valuable and sought by employers. Not everyone will find it easy to think and write reflectively<br />

– it is not a natural style of writing and is very different to the academic writing you are often used to.<br />

Reflecting on your experience is key to your own learning development and self-awareness. You will be<br />

reflecting on your professional behaviour; you therefore need to consider your skills and attributes and<br />

your approach to tasks. Remember too, your reflection should be linked to your initial action plan<br />

(completed after your self-audit) and could result in behavioural change.<br />

When reflecting, you should record your feelings and consider the following:<br />

• What went well?<br />

• What did not go so well?<br />

• How did your thoughts change after a specific incident?<br />

• What did you learn from observing others?<br />

• How were your thoughts influenced?<br />

• What would you do differently in the future?<br />

12


Top Tips<br />

Reflect on each activity.<br />

• Start your reflection as soon as you can. You will forget things with time and may lose valuable<br />

learning experiences.<br />

• Use the reflective questions provided on your reflection sheet to improve your critical approach.<br />

• Remember that reflective writing is personal; it’s OK to write about your feelings and emotions.<br />

• Get the balance right, don’t be too descriptive. <strong>The</strong> activity form provides a description of your<br />

activities. Reflection should be about analysis and synthesis. It’s easy to write about what<br />

happened where; it’s the why, how and what if which is really important.<br />

• Reflect well and your self-awareness will improve.<br />

For more information on reflection go to the relevant section on Learning Central. For those of you that<br />

are undertaking a placement year, it is likely reflection will be part of your assessment so reflecting for<br />

the <strong>Award</strong> will impact positively on your degree.<br />

Build your On-line Presence<br />

You can use the reflective log we provide or do your own thing – some students keep diaries, update<br />

on-line blogs or create vlogs (you tube/vimeo). It’s entirely up to you what you do. If you are more<br />

creative with your reflections make sure you link to an on-line profile on LinkedIn or use web building<br />

pages such as AboutMe – employers will find you easier and will be impressed by your content!<br />

Remember to be considered for Student of the Year you MUST complete reflective accounts on your<br />

activities.<br />

Sharing Reflective Accounts via Evernote<br />

Last year we used a cloud platform Evernote (www.evernote.com) to store <strong>Award</strong> paperwork and<br />

complete reflective accounts. This was a trial and our learning is on-going, but it did prove a useful tool.<br />

Evernote allows you to invite users to view and comment on your “notes”; so you can invite the <strong>Award</strong><br />

Manager (simply by sharing your folder via email) to review your progress throughout the year (useful as<br />

you’ll be abroad). You do not have to use it, but doing so may help your organisational skills and will<br />

certainly improve your digital literacy (another tick from an employer’s perspective).<br />

13


<strong>The</strong> following tips have been produced by 2014-<strong>2015</strong> <strong>Award</strong> student, Liz Henshaw, who used Evernote<br />

to manage her <strong>Award</strong> process:<br />

Using Evernote for Reflective Accounts<br />

• Using Evernote to write your reflective accounts on the activities you participate in for the<br />

<strong>Cardiff</strong> <strong>Award</strong> allows Kath and Helen to check and comment on your progress. Remember, you<br />

must complete reflective accounts to be considered for the <strong>Cardiff</strong> <strong>Award</strong> Student of the Year!<br />

• By creating reflective accounts it will help you to develop critical analysis skills that are required<br />

for level 6 (final year) writing at University. It will also allow you to receive feedback on your<br />

critical analysis that is not marked and can help you to identify areas that you can improve<br />

upon before your final year. Using Evernote allows you to reduce the number of drop in sessions<br />

you may have to attend as the <strong>Award</strong> team can check your progress online and make<br />

comments and suggestions without having to meet with you face to face.<br />

• Evernote is safer than keeping all your work on just your laptop because it is accessible from<br />

multiple platforms, so if your laptop breaks you still have an accessible copy of your work –<br />

you’d be surprised how many students lose their paperwork every year!<br />

• You can use Evernote for more than just the <strong>Cardiff</strong> <strong>Award</strong>, Evernote allows you to link out to<br />

blogs and you can use it for academic projects by creating multiple notebooks.<br />

• Keeping all notes in Evernote allows you to create an online portfolio that can be easily<br />

accessed at other times e.g. for job interviews.<br />

• You can share your work with anyone who has an Evernote account, making it easy to share<br />

ideas with friends, co-workers etc.<br />

• You can add CVs and request feedback from the <strong>Award</strong> team on documents before you have to<br />

submit them.<br />

• You can sync Evernote across all your devices, so your notes, web clips, files and images are<br />

available whenever you need them on every device and computer you use.<br />

Other Advantages<br />

• Save articles with Web Clipper and take snapshots with Evernote to collect all of the physical<br />

and digital details for your projects in one place.<br />

• Evernote allows you to gather and collect everything that matters in one place. You can clip<br />

multiple forms of materials in Evernote e.g. web articles, handwritten notes, photos.<br />

• Clipping everything you need in one place allows you to keep a physical and digital version of<br />

your project, making it accessible at all times<br />

Please note if you use Evernote, it will be a self-learning experience as we are still learning how to use<br />

this too! Some training notes have been produced and added to Learning Central as an aid, but you will<br />

be solely responsible for improving your understanding. But that’s what the <strong>Award</strong> is all about! Share<br />

your knowledge with the <strong>Award</strong> team and your peers through Facebook too.<br />

Scan the QR code to access Evernote and create an account:<br />

14


<strong>Award</strong> Requirements:<br />

Official Paperwork<br />

You will need to complete official paperwork as part of the process; this counts towards the verification<br />

of your <strong>Award</strong>. <strong>The</strong>se include:<br />

• Terms of Engagement<br />

This is a document (see <strong>Award</strong> pack) signed by both you and the <strong>Award</strong> Team. It outlines the<br />

commitment required of both parties. This needs to be signed and returned to the <strong>Award</strong><br />

Manager at the start of the <strong>Award</strong>.<br />

• Activity Record & Evidence Form<br />

This logs your activities and provides an opportunity to evidence the skills gained as a result. It<br />

should be signed by an authorised signatory before submitting. Please note if you are on<br />

placement through your school or <strong>Global</strong> Opportunities you will not need to obtain a signature.<br />

• Reflection Forms<br />

It is important you reflect on the activities you are involved with as it will help enhance your<br />

learning and makes evidencing the skills an easier process. This is not compulsory but is a<br />

worthwhile exercise, helping with the <strong>Award</strong> submissions and future job applications. Reflecting<br />

really enhances your self-awareness, an attribute sought by recruiters.<br />

• Workshop Sign-Off Sheet<br />

This provides evidence that you attended the workshops and skills session and must be signed<br />

by the leader at the end of each session. You need to ensure signatures are obtained on the<br />

day. This is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY. If the form is not signed, you cannot include that workshop.<br />

You can download these forms from Learning Central by visiting www.learningcentral.cf.ac.uk.<br />

15


Key Dates: <strong>2015</strong>-<strong>2016</strong> Programme<br />

16


Support<br />

Learning Central<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Cardiff</strong> <strong>Award</strong> has a module within Learning Central and you are automatically registered to use<br />

this. It appears in your list of modules and contains information and resources.<br />

Drop-In Sessions<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Award</strong> Manager and mentors will run drop-in sessions, which you can use for advice and support<br />

and to discuss any concerns (when you’re in University). <strong>The</strong>re will be a compulsory drop in, led by<br />

mentors, half way through the programme.<br />

Facebook<br />

Make sure you register with our closed Facebook group. It’s a great discussion board and is heavily<br />

used.<br />

Mentors<br />

Peer mentors have been recruited to provide advice and support to <strong>Award</strong> participants. <strong>The</strong>y have<br />

extensive experience of the <strong>Award</strong> and can listen to and resolve concerns. Your mentors are James<br />

Ledward and Clare Tomkins (Spring Term) and Elliot Howells and Gwenan Pugh (Autumn Term), you will<br />

be sent their contact details.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Careers and Employability Service<br />

Use this service for careers advice and help with applications, CVs, employer events, fairs and a wealth<br />

of skills sessions. Further information is available at www.cardiff.ac.uk/careers.<br />

If you experience any problems whilst abroad you will need to contact your academic school or<br />

placement provider; the <strong>Award</strong> team can only provide advice on <strong>Award</strong> concerns.<br />

@<strong>Cardiff</strong><strong>Award</strong><br />

/KathrynFoot<br />

17


Health & Safety Considerations<br />

It is essential that the activities you undertake as part of the <strong>Award</strong> are conducted in a safe working<br />

environment. <strong>The</strong> following points should be considered whilst completing activities that form part of<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Cardiff</strong> <strong>Award</strong>.<br />

<strong>The</strong> organisation that is organising your experience, or that you will be working for/volunteering at, has<br />

the duty to look after your health and safety. You should:<br />

• Attend all related pre-departure talks held by the organisation / your university or attend an<br />

induction.<br />

• Ensure that all relevant documentation and pre-departure information has been completed<br />

• Raise awareness of any medical conditions or allergies that could cause a risk to your health<br />

and safety.<br />

• Visit your GP for advice regarding potential inoculations you may need for the country you are<br />

travelling to.<br />

• Know the name of your supervisor/ person responsible for your placement whilst you are<br />

abroad.<br />

• Understand the arrangements in place of an emergency.<br />

• Understand the VISA conditions.<br />

• Receive necessary health and safety training.<br />

• Are told of and aware of any associated risks.<br />

• Be provided with the necessary safety equipment or protective clothing.<br />

• Know the procedure of reporting and recording accidents.<br />

• Have the relevant child protection documentation if working with children or vulnerable adults.<br />

• Have appropriate support systems in place if you encounter problems abroad.<br />

• Have accommodation arranged.<br />

• Receive a full itinerary of your stay away.<br />

• Inform you of the level of insurance needed.<br />

Please note that it is not the <strong>Cardiff</strong> <strong>Award</strong>’s responsibility to ensure this is in place; <strong>Award</strong> participants<br />

need to take ownership of this area.<br />

18


<strong>The</strong> Verification Process<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Award</strong> will be made on satisfactory demonstration of learning outcomes and clear evidence of the<br />

commitment to the learning opportunities<br />

A reminder of the Learning Outcomes: You will need to:<br />

1. To demonstrate an understanding of the term employability, specifically in terms of being a<br />

global graduate.<br />

2. To articulate how qualifying time spent abroad and intercultural activities develops your<br />

employability skills, in particular cultural agility, a global mind-set and global knowledge.<br />

3. To reflect critically on your performance, demonstrating your self-awareness and selfconfidence.<br />

4. To present and articulate the development of these employability skills through a CV and<br />

application form and to an employer panel.<br />

5. To identify how the skills you developed during the <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Award</strong> will contribute to your lifelong<br />

learning and continuing professional development.<br />

Assessment Learning Outcome Assessed Skills Assessed<br />

Application Form 2<br />

3<br />

4<br />

CV 2<br />

3<br />

4<br />

Presentation 1<br />

2<br />

3<br />

4<br />

5<br />

Self-Management<br />

Team Working<br />

Business & Commercial<br />

Awareness<br />

Communication and<br />

Networking<br />

Problem Solving<br />

Literacy<br />

Self-Management<br />

Team Working<br />

Business & Commercial<br />

Awareness<br />

Communication and<br />

Networking<br />

Literacy<br />

Communication & Networking<br />

Literacy<br />

19


Verification Matrix<br />

• In order to gain the <strong>Cardiff</strong> <strong>Award</strong> participants must achieve a rating of 2 or above in all six skill areas.<br />

• <strong>The</strong> matrix below provides verifiers with guidelines on each rating and also clearly explains the level of attainment expected from each<br />

participant.<br />

• Self-management will be measured from your reflective accounts.<br />

• Timekeeping and general attitude towards completing the <strong>Award</strong> (throughout the year) will be taken into account if results are borderline.<br />

• If you have to resubmit, the highest result that can be obtained will be a pass.<br />

• You must pass all stages to the required standard (CV/Application Form/Reflective Account/Psychometric tests).<br />

Please note that within your reflective account, you must be able to recognise how the skills developed will contribute to your future development<br />

Skill<br />

Self-<br />

Management<br />

Level<br />

1<br />

FAIL<br />

2<br />

PASS<br />

3<br />

DISTINCTION<br />

Basic / no examples have been provided to<br />

illustrate how the learning experiences have<br />

developed self-management skills.<br />

Basic/no evidence of self-awareness, with no<br />

evidence of reflective practices.<br />

Basic/no understanding of how selfmanagement<br />

skills obtained are likely to<br />

contribute to future professional development.<br />

Can demonstrate that the learning<br />

experience has developed self -management<br />

skills through examples showing effective<br />

time management and prioritisation of tasks.<br />

Demonstrates self-motivation and drive.<br />

Demonstrates resilience to new<br />

environments and shows evidence that new<br />

support systems have been organised<br />

independently.<br />

Can identify through reflection behaviours<br />

and competencies that need improving.<br />

High levels of self-awareness, evidenced through<br />

a high level of reflection on personal<br />

development. Can effectively demonstrate how<br />

the experience will contribute to future career<br />

development.<br />

Demonstrates a high level of self-motivation,<br />

drive, time management and task prioritisation.<br />

Demonstrates a high level resilience to new<br />

environments and shows evidence that new<br />

support systems have been organised<br />

independently with ease.<br />

Can identify and displays a readiness to improve<br />

performance based on feedback or through the<br />

learning experience.<br />

Team working Basic / no examples have been provided to Able to demonstrate how they have worked Able to demonstrate they have worked within a<br />

22


Skill<br />

Level<br />

1<br />

FAIL<br />

2<br />

PASS<br />

3<br />

DISTINCTION<br />

illustrate how the learning experiences have<br />

developed team working skills in a multicultural/multi-lingual<br />

environment.<br />

within a multi-lingual/multi-cultural team<br />

and can identify their own contribution to the<br />

team using specific examples.<br />

multi-lingual/multi-cultural team and can<br />

identify their own contribution and their impact<br />

on others in the team using specific examples.<br />

Basic/no understanding is provided of how<br />

team working skills obtained are likely to<br />

contribute to future professional development.<br />

Can identify how they have worked to<br />

achieve a common goal.<br />

Can identify how they have worked to achieve a<br />

common goal and demonstrated adaptability.<br />

Provides evidence of listening and sharing.<br />

Demonstrates they have developed others from<br />

different backgrounds and cultures.<br />

Commercial<br />

Awareness<br />

Basic /no examples have been provided to<br />

illustrate how the learning experiences have<br />

developed business and commercial<br />

awareness.<br />

Basic/no understanding is provided of how<br />

business and commercial awareness skills<br />

obtained are likely to contribute to future<br />

professional development.<br />

Can demonstrate that their learning<br />

experience has developed a good<br />

understanding of business and commercial<br />

awareness<br />

Can demonstrate a sound understanding of<br />

the internal and external key drivers for<br />

business success.<br />

Has an understanding of the global economic<br />

issues and concerns in the country you are<br />

visiting.<br />

Provides evidence that their learning experience<br />

has developed an excellent understanding of<br />

business and commercial awareness.<br />

Displays an excellent understanding of the<br />

internal and external key drivers for business<br />

success.<br />

Can recognise their own contribution from their<br />

activities in achieving this.<br />

Has an excellent understanding of the global<br />

economic issues and concerns in the country<br />

you are visiting and can discuss how this<br />

knowledge is updated<br />

Can identify additional learning needs to gain<br />

knowledge for chosen career.<br />

Communication<br />

& Networking<br />

Basic /no examples have been provided to<br />

illustrate how the learning experiences have<br />

developed their communication skills.<br />

Can demonstrate that their learning<br />

experience has developed their oral, written<br />

and aural communication skills.<br />

Provides excellent examples that their learning<br />

experience has developed their oral and aural<br />

communication skills.<br />

Fails to respond well to questions.<br />

Basic/no understanding is provided of how<br />

communication skills obtained are likely to<br />

contribute to future professional development.<br />

No layout to the CV, longer than 2 pages. <strong>The</strong><br />

application form and presentation are poorly<br />

Can use language appropriate for the<br />

situation and can communicate with a<br />

variety of people from different backgrounds<br />

and cultures.<br />

Can contribute to a group to meet shared<br />

objectives.<br />

23<br />

Can use language appropriate for the situation<br />

and can communicate confidently with people of<br />

all backgrounds, cultures and/or levels of<br />

seniority.<br />

Can contribute to a group to meet shared<br />

objectives. Evidences sensitivity, effective


Skill<br />

Level<br />

1<br />

FAIL<br />

2<br />

PASS<br />

3<br />

DISTINCTION<br />

presented.<br />

Able to develop professional networks<br />

persuasive and negotiation skills.<br />

Responds to questions well but occasionally<br />

lacks confidence.<br />

Able to invest in professional global<br />

relationships and network effectively.<br />

A good CV, no more than 2 pages, laid out<br />

and presented to a good standard.<br />

Responds to questions confidently and<br />

professionally.<br />

<strong>The</strong> application form and presentation are<br />

presented to a good standard.<br />

An excellent CV, no more than 2 pages, well laid<br />

out, highlighting key global skills and<br />

achievements.<br />

<strong>The</strong> application form and presentation are<br />

professionally presented.<br />

Problem Solving<br />

Basic /no examples have been provided to<br />

illustrate how the learning experiences have<br />

developed their problem solving skills.<br />

Using examples can demonstrate that their<br />

learning experience has developed their<br />

problem solving skills; showing they have<br />

identified problems, can discuss associated<br />

solutions and implement an appropriate<br />

course of action.<br />

Using evidence can show resilience adapting<br />

to unfamiliar environments.<br />

Through examples, can demonstrate they can<br />

identify key issues for action and formulate<br />

appropriate solutions through creative and<br />

lateral thinking independently and/or within a<br />

team.<br />

Shows evidence of embracing multiple<br />

perspectives.<br />

Demonstrates persistence and personal<br />

resilience handling challenges and associated<br />

pressures in unfamiliar environments.<br />

Demonstrates the ability to challenge thinking<br />

and consider the ideas of others.<br />

Literacy<br />

Poor writing style, lacks structure.<br />

Produces written work of a poor standard, with<br />

consistent spelling, punctuation and<br />

grammatical errors.<br />

Writing style is good, structure is evident.<br />

Few grammatical and/or spelling errors.<br />

A fluent writing style. Professionally written,<br />

structured answers.<br />

Provides excellent examples that their written<br />

communication skills.<br />

No grammatical/spelling errors.<br />

24


<strong>The</strong> <strong>Cardiff</strong> <strong>Award</strong> Student of the Year<br />

This <strong>Award</strong> recognises a student that has excelled over the year.<br />

To be considered students will have achieved/demonstrated the following:<br />

• Exceeded the <strong>Award</strong> learning outcomes.<br />

• Achieved a distinction in the <strong>Award</strong> overall.<br />

• Completed excellent reflective logs that demonstrate that the individual has recognised<br />

how they have developed as a result of their experiences.<br />

• Shown themselves to be reliable individuals, proven through timely attendance to<br />

booked workshops/sessions/networking events.<br />

• Understands and embraces the concept of lifelong learning; is able to demonstrate how<br />

they will continue to learn following successful completion of the <strong>Award</strong>.<br />

<strong>The</strong> prize:<br />

• 1 Student of the Year <strong>Award</strong>- £100 cash prize and engraved glass trophy<br />

• 1 Special Commendation) - £50 cash prize and engraved glass trophy<br />

•<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Award</strong> Manager will create a shortlist following verification and the winners will be decided by<br />

<strong>Award</strong> sponsors and staff.<br />

<strong>The</strong> shortlist will be announced prior to the celebration event and all those shortlisted will receive a<br />

certificate to add to their portfolio.<br />

<strong>The</strong> winners will be announced at the end of year celebration event, taking place in the spring term.<br />

25


Frequently Asked Questions<br />

How many hours of extra-curricular activities will I have to undertake?<br />

You will be expected to undertake 70 hours. 40 hours must be undertaken abroad, this can be study,<br />

volunteering or work. <strong>The</strong> other activities can be UK/home based but must evidence multicultural/multi-lingual<br />

working.<br />

How many hours per week am I expected to commit to?<br />

It’s to your discretion.<br />

What counts as “extra-curricular” activities?<br />

Refer to the Activities Grid in this booklet.<br />

Why are some hours capped?<br />

Some activities do not fully develop your skills as the work is repetitive in nature, you may also struggle<br />

drawing on strong, relevant examples for applications. This includes bar work, hospitality, retail, note<br />

taking and blogging, for example. <strong>The</strong> <strong>Award</strong> wants to give you a wealth of skills and experiences so<br />

you can fully articulate your skills to employers.<br />

How do I record my activities?<br />

For each activity and skill session you need to complete an Activity Record Form.<br />

Recording hours and activities is straightforward and self-explanatory. E.g.:<br />

Date<br />

July 15th<br />

Activity/Task<br />

General administration, used mail merge for a mail out/ promoted<br />

company using social media<br />

Number<br />

of Hours<br />

7<br />

If you are working over the summer or on a placement year you don’t need to record your hours, just<br />

put down the start and finish date, then record your activities as you go. E.g.:<br />

Date<br />

START DATE &<br />

END DATE<br />

Activity/Task<br />

General duties: table service, cleaning, dealing with the kitchen and bar<br />

staff to ensure smooth service<br />

Points to remember: undertook sales training to help up sell products,<br />

resolved a customer complaint (one customer complained about the<br />

dish that was not up to standard, I confidently dealt with this situation,<br />

speaking to the chef and organising a free dessert for the customers<br />

who were then satisfied)<br />

Number<br />

of Hours<br />

42<br />

Remember: you should use 1 activity and record sheet per activity.<br />

26


Who should sign-off my activities?<br />

• On Campus: authorised signatories only; refer to Learning Central for the full list.<br />

• Off Campus: your supervisor/line manager; remember to get it signed when you feel<br />

you have developed sufficiently from each activity.<br />

• You will not need signatures for placements arranged through schools or <strong>Global</strong><br />

Opportunities.<br />

Can I claim more than 70 hours?<br />

<strong>The</strong> 70 hours is a minimum, you can claim more.<br />

When should I stop recording my hours?<br />

This is subjective and only you will know when to stop. You should be able to evidence the key skills<br />

requested by <strong>The</strong> <strong>Award</strong> across all your activities, you should have at least 1 strong example for each<br />

skill. Use the verification matrix in your booklet to see the standard expected by <strong>The</strong> <strong>Award</strong>. <strong>The</strong> more<br />

examples you have, the easier you will find your submissions and future applications.<br />

Do I have to reflect?<br />

It is not compulsory; however students that reflect tend to perform considerably better at submission<br />

stage to those that have not. Reflection sheets are provided and can be hand-written or saved<br />

electronically. If your final result is border-line (fail/pass or pass/distinction) then your reflections may<br />

impact positively on your final result. Students that reflect can be considered for the Student of the<br />

Year <strong>Award</strong>.<br />

How many workshops do I have to attend?<br />

You must attend an induction, a pre and post-departure session, a cultural awareness workshop and<br />

sessions on applications and speaking and presenting. You can also attend more if you wish.<br />

How do I log my attendance at workshops?<br />

You will be provided with a sign off sheet which needs to be signed by the leader at the end of each<br />

session. You MUST take this with you to each session. If you are attending workshops not organised by<br />

the <strong>Cardiff</strong> <strong>Award</strong> you will not be able to count these unless you have your paperwork signed on the day<br />

How do I book for workshops?<br />

Most <strong>Award</strong> specific sessions can be booked through the Students’ Union system:<br />

http://www.cardiffstudents.com/jobs-skills/cardiff-award/<br />

Career and Employability sessions must be booked at: www.cardiff.ac.uk/careers<br />

SDS sessions must be booked via the SDS pages: http://www.cardiffstudents.com/jobs-skills/skillsdevelopment-service/<br />

What happens if I cannot attend a workshop?<br />

You MUST inform the <strong>Award</strong> team (or anyone else you have booked through) and cancel your booking.<br />

Sufficient notice is required.<br />

What if a workshop clashes with a lecture/activity?<br />

Tell the <strong>Award</strong> team immediately.<br />

27


Where can I find more information on the <strong>Award</strong>?<br />

• Visit www.cardiff.ac.uk/cardiffaward or log on to<br />

https://learningcentral.cf.ac.uk/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp<br />

• <strong>The</strong> Facebook group is a useful source.<br />

I need help – who can I contact?<br />

• You can contact <strong>Award</strong> mentors via the email: <strong>Cardiff</strong><strong>Award</strong>Mentors@cardiff.ac.uk<br />

(previous <strong>Award</strong> students):<br />

Clare Tomkins: follow Clare on twitter: @clare98765<br />

James Ledward: follow James on Twitter: @Leddykins<br />

If you have problems/concerns over your experience abroad, you must speak to your academic school<br />

or placement provider.<br />

Where can I find original copies of paperwork?<br />

All original paperwork can be downloaded from Learning Central.<br />

What paperwork should I submit?<br />

• Terms of Engagement - signed.<br />

• All Activity Record and Evidence Forms - completed and signed off by the authorised signatory.<br />

YOU DO NOT NEED TO SIGN OFF PLACEMENTS ORGANISED THROUGH YOUR SCHOOL/GLOBAL<br />

OPPORTUNITIES<br />

• Workshop sign off sheet - completed and signed.<br />

• Career-focused, skills based CV.<br />

• Completed application form (200 words max per answer).<br />

• Reflective logs are not compulsory but can be submitted.<br />

When do I have to submit my written submissions and paperwork?<br />

You will be given submission dates when you return to University, following your experience abroad.<br />

You will be required to submit all paperwork and submissions in the December.<br />

I have lost my booklet! Where can I obtain a new one?<br />

An electronic version is available on Learning Central.<br />

I need help with my application form/CV/career planning, where can I get the support?<br />

• Application Workshops run by Careers & Employability, book at<br />

www.cardiff.ac.uk/careers.<br />

• You can also book an appointment to see a Career Consultant who specialises in your<br />

degree discipline or a 15 min quick enquiry bookable on the day with the duty Career<br />

Consultant.<br />

• 30 minute career consultation.<br />

• Attend an <strong>Award</strong> drop in, run by the <strong>Award</strong> Manager and Mentors.<br />

How do I submit my CV and application form?<br />

E-mail to cardiffaward@cardiff.ac.uk<br />

What is the Student of the Year?<br />

An <strong>Award</strong> that recognises a student that has gone above and beyond what is required. <strong>The</strong> winning<br />

student will show reliability, integrity and professionalism. Reflections are essential.<br />

28


What happens if I fail the <strong>Award</strong>?<br />

You will have one opportunity to re-submit and guidance will be given on how to improve the areas<br />

failed.<br />

How is the <strong>Award</strong> assessed?<br />

A verification matrix is available in your workbooks. This outlines the verification process and highlights<br />

the standard you need to achieve in each area. Make sure you refer to this.<br />

29


Useful Points of Contact<br />

Direct all questions to: <strong>Cardiff</strong><strong>Award</strong>Mentors@cardiff.ac.uk, Please allow 3 working days for a<br />

response.<br />

Via Facebook, look for Clare Tomkins and James Ledward.<br />

Via Twitter: James Ledward: @Leddykins Clare Tomkins: @clare98765<br />

If you need to speak to the <strong>Award</strong> team, email: cardiffaward@cardiff.ac.uk<br />

For careers advice/CV/Application form support make an appointment with Careers and<br />

Employability.<br />

A huge thank you to all our sponsors:<br />

• To our principal sponsors EY who have helped develop and deliver the <strong>Award</strong> in addition<br />

to providing significant funding<br />

• To our other sponsors and endorsers: ACE <strong>Cardiff</strong>, ACCA, Champions Life Academy,<br />

CADW, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, StretLaw, Careercake, Dŵr Cymru, Blake Morgan, Net<br />

Support UK, Petersens PR, Rate My Placement, Routes into Languages Cymru, Innovate<br />

Trust, Teach First, Tenovus, Thales and IBM who have provided additional support and<br />

funding to <strong>The</strong> <strong>Cardiff</strong> <strong>Award</strong>.<br />

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