When it comes to enhancing employability through making the most of opportunities, some of us need a helping hand. Edge Hill’s Student Opportunity Fund is designed to do just that.

The SOF provides financial support to enable our students to take part in activities which enhance their employability, develop transferable skills, and enrich their student experience. All our undergraduates are entitled to apply for up to £2,000 to realise and take part in fantastic opportunities. That could be anything from assisting students to attend interviews, work experience placements and conferences, to helping a student take part in an international learning opportunity related to their course.

In 2017, The SOF supported Law with Politics student Thomas de Freitas to attend the global Young Diplomats Forum in London. He was selected as one of 100 students from 75 different countries to attend the five-day conference at Canary Wharf, where he took part in an action-packed programme of practical activities, talks and workshops focusing on the hot topics of international affairs. As well as gaining valuable insights into the world of international diplomacy and enhancing his employability skills, Thomas also had the opportunity to network with Ambassadors, MPs, MEPs, Government officials and world-leading experts on global affairs. The career-boosting conference also included a visit to the Houses of Parliament and a closing ceremony at the House of Lords.

The first-hand exposure to Ambassadors, lawmakers and institutions was invaluable to my understanding of global politics. The workshops on areas such as policy development and treaties were incredibly useful for my degree. Attending the Forum will make my CV stand out when applying to work for MPs in London, which is incredibly competitive, and hopefully will help me get a job in the field of Development/Aid in the future.

Thomas de Freitas