The University of Queensland has established the UQ Advantage Award to recognise undergraduate students who participate in co-curricular activities facilitated by the University.
UQ’s Office of Undergraduate Education coordinates the award that combines participation in experiential activities with a skills-building symposium series.
The UQ Advantage Award focuses on advancing students’ transferable skill sets by providing them with greater access to opportunities in three key areas – global and cultural engagement, research and entrepreneurship, and social responsibility and leadership.
Office of Undergraduate Education Director Dr Jessica Gallaghersaid the award provided a way for students to plan co-curricular pursuits that gave them a new perspective to their academic studies and a head start when they graduated.
“Graduates stand out when they can demonstrate how they have taken initiative to extend themselves beyond course requirements and have been involved in activities that build their leadership skills, while also making a positive contribution to the wider community,” Dr Gallagher said.
“The UQ Advantage Award is unique in the way it brings together a structured career development program with activities that build on students’ studies, like global experiences, research opportunities and community engagement.”
UQ Bachelor of Arts and Social Sciences student Rochelle Bath registered for the Award to enhance her leadership skills and gain experience in her field.
She received a UQ Advantage Grant to travel to India to volunteer as a youth activist on World Vision’s Avsar Kanpur Project.
“The project aimed to deepen our understanding of development and advocacy by visiting various grassroots organisations, and to inspire young people in Australia and India to work together to create real change for the world's poor and vulnerable,” she said.
“I got to see how non-government organisation’s work in the field and apply what I have been studying at university to develop my personal leadership style.”
“Where I used to be the one who took charge and accidently forgot about the input of others, I am now a better listener and hold a group together rather than taking over,” she said.
UQ Advantage Award participant Weng Hou Siew said he had gained invaluable applied knowledge by taking part in co-curricular opportunities made possible by UQ.
His participation in the UQ Summer Research Program and the aid of a UQ Advantage Grant helped him take up a research internship at Tianjin University in China.
“Applying theoretical knowledge to real-life projects and building industry contacts really opened up the door to future employment opportunities,’ he said.
“I have now secured an honours project at the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, one of the most prestigious research institutes in Australia.
“It’s very competitive so having completed Summer Research and the internship at Tianjin helped me stand out from the rest of the crowd,” he said.
UQ undergraduate students can sign up for the UQ Advantage Award through my SI-Net.
To find out more about the UQ Advantage Award or how to get involved in global study, research, volunteering and leadership activities, visit www.uq.edu.au/undergraduate.
