Whether you self-define as being from a working-class background or are the first in your family to attend higher education, the University has plenty of opportunities for you to get involved, share your experiences and unique perspective, and hone the skills you need to succeed.
Social Mobility Network
The Social Mobility Network is a dedicated space for individuals who self-define as either currently being from, or originating from, a working-class background, as well as those who have a vested interest to get involved with the work of the Network and can act as champions for it. Members of the Social Mobility Network can inform and create change that will benefit students and staff at the University who are from income or class backgrounds that traditionally experience more obstacles.
In 2023 alone, the Social Mobility Network has presented The Class Ceiling podcast, which has covered accent bias, cost of living, student experience, and more; the Social Mobility Network Festival; and the inaugural Top of the Class conference which hosted Justine Greening MP amongst its speakers.
You can find out more about the network and become a member on the Social Mobility Network SharePoint site.
My Generation Career Coaching
You may be eligible to apply for the My Generation Career Coaching programme – a 12-month intensive career support and coaching programme with qualified Careers Consultants. Part of Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise’s aim to achieve fair graduate employment outcomes in the job market, this programme offers a safe, non-judgemental environment to help you find your own solutions.
Benefits of taking part include:
- Setting career goals through career planning
- Improving your job applications and interview techniques
- Making the most of work experience opportunities
- Expand your professional network
- An option to apply for a small financial bursary to support with career-related costs, such as interview travel expenses.
Find out more about My Generation Career Coaching and apply by Sunday 14 January 2024.
The Class Ceiling Exhibition
Curated and produced by the Social Mobility Network, this photography exhibition at John Hansard Gallery offers a glimpse into the lived experiences of individuals who self-identify as being from a working-class background while also celebrating who they are and what they bring to our University and city.
The exhibition is free and open until Saturday 3 February. Find out more about visiting the John Hansard Gallery on their website.
Safe Listening Spaces
Following a successful pilot, the Social Mobility Network has announced a few dates for the Social Mobility Safe Listening Spaces, which provide an opportunity for a confidential, open discussion focused on lived experience in a safe environment. Facilitated by Savanna Cutts, Co-Chair of the Social Mobility Network, and Melissa Allada, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Officer, the sessions will take place online via Microsoft Teams.
You can book your spot using the links below:
- Thursday 15 February, 14:00-15:00– Open to staff and PGRs
- Wednesday 13 March, 12:00-13:00 – Open to all taught students
- Friday 14 June, 10:00-11:00am – Open to all students and staff