Passport Gold Award recipient and final-year Physics with Particle Physics student, Abi Russell

Abi shares how her involvement in a wide range of activities across campus is preparing her for life after graduation and reflects on her journey to the Passport Gold Award.

 

1. Why did the Passport Award appeal to you?

I wanted to get involved with my campus community, and make a difference across as many departments/groups as I could. I knew that I didn’t want to just leave university with my degree, I wanted to leave having a range of experiences and memories – the Passport Award was perfect for this.

2. What activities did you get involved in to earn passport points?

I got involved with lots of activities across campus. These included volunteering for the Students’ Union, working on the Clearing hotlines, being a Course Rep, Department Rep, a Peer Guide Leader, a Senior Student Ambassador, and being on four committees of clubs and societies – which helped to promote the close-knit campus feel that we are so lucky to have here at Royal Holloway!

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

The Passport Gold Award really shows that you have put in the extra work and have gone the extra mile – you’ve gone above and beyond the Passport Award, and it’s a great that employers recognise and value this.

4. What new skills have you learned through the Passport Award?

I’ve learned so many skills – but to name a few…

• Flexibility – being able to adapt to new situations is an invaluable skill
• Communication – I’ve been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to work with a wide range of people, which has really helped to enhance my communication skills
• Leadership – working alongside and leading amazing groups of people has definitely been a highlight of my Passport Award, and also my entire time here at Royal Holloway.

5. What advice would you give to a student who is considering doing the Passport Award?
Go for it! It’s a great thing to do, and you get recognised for your hard work! Think of a few activities you can do, help with or set up, and go from there. Everyone has something they can contribute – so start collecting your passport points now!

6. At Royal Holloway, students have many opportunities to become more employable through lots of activities. What co-curricular activities have you been involved in? How do you think are they helping you to become more employable? 
● President of Rounders – I have an amazing and talented team working alongside me, and it has really helped me to demonstrate leadership in a non-academic environment.

● Vice President of the Physics Society – we offer lots of events for all years, and host a mixture of academic and fun debates on the latest science. The latest event is due to happen in February, and is a ‘Weakest Link’ competition featuring lecturers and students. This role has really helped me develop my communication skills with a wide range of people – a key skill that employers look for.

● I am on the committee for two other societies; Rocketry as Treasurer, and Harry Potter Society as Events Promoter! These have all helped me broaden my ability to be flexible and made key contacts in the community.

● I volunteered as a Peer Guide in my second year, and am now one in a group of Peer Guide Leaders, with our group being the first generation of Peer Guide Leaders. This has enabled me to work alongside a variety of departments and students to help incoming students settle into university life as quickly as possible.

● I have volunteered at the past two ‘Move-in weekends’. In my second year, I helped first year and their parents/supporters to move their possessions into their new rooms in halls. In third year, I had my DREAM volunteer position as a buggy driver, helping people move heavy items across campus etc. Not only were the weekends fun, they gave a real sense of leadership and ability to adapt to new situations.

● Course/Department Representative – being a Course Rep for my Year Group in second year, followed by now being the Department Rep for the whole of the physics department has not only been an honour, but has allowed me to work alongside the sabbatical officers and staff to continue improving our ever growing department!

● I also have a paid job on campus – I worked for around nine months as a Student Ambassador, helping on Open Days and giving campus tours before being promoted to a Senior Student Ambassador, one of eight students leading 200 others. I love this job, it gives me a great opportunity to interact with other students and prospective students and parents.

7. Have you any ideas/plans about what you want to do after graduation?

I have always wanted to teach science in secondary schools, and have got a place to do a Schools Direct training course in Reading starting in September 2019 – giving me as much hands on experience as possible.

I have also secured an Institute of Physics Teacher Training Scholarship for my training year – a tax free £28,000 – something I am very proud of achieving after several months of tests and interviews!

Find out more about the Passport Award.

Your career starts here! Discover the variety of activities that you can get involved in on campus to help you prepare for you graduate career.