Passport Gold Award profile

Megan Filkins, BA History graduate & Passport Gold Award recipient 2018

Why did the Passport Award appeal to you?

I knew that I wanted my university experience to be much more than just a degree. When I heard about the Passport Award, it sounded like a useful way to keep track of different extra-curricular and volunteering activities and be able to quantify these activities through a recognisable certificate for my CV at the end of three years. 

When did you start collecting Passport Points?

A few months into my first year, I helped out at the College’s Open Days with the netball club.

 

What activities did you get involved in to earn Passport Points?

I continued with volunteering with the Students’ Union through netball, including running small group sessions on Community Sport Days. I collected more points for paid work as a Student Ambassador and Campaign Caller, as well as assisting the History department on Applicant Visit Days. I was able to pick up more points in recognition of my role as Captain of our netball team in my second year. 

I also took part in Careers courses on Moodle, in preparation for applying to graduate schemes. These taught me more about how to structure responses to competency-based questions, something I used when applying for Civil Service jobs. 

What, in your opinion, is the value of the Passport Gold Award?

The Passport Gold Award shows that you’ve gone that extra mile – whether through paid employment, volunteering or getting involved in sports and societies. 

What new skills have you learned through the Passport Award?

The Passport Award has taught me about teamwork, leadership and helping others. Through getting involved in a wide variety of activities, I feel like I’ve been able to develop valuable skills for future careers.

  
What advice would you give to a student who is considering doing the Passport Award?

Think about the wide variety of different ways you can collect points and what you’d like to do – volunteering in the local community or helping younger schoolchildren can be relaxing and personally rewarding, alongside the points you collect. Don’t be afraid to ask or chase up points for internships, most tutors or employees will be more than willing to help. 

 

Find out more about the Passport Award.