Queen’s University Belfast's Careers, Employability, and Skills department proudly announce the launch of the new Future-Ready Award, a ground-breaking higher education enhancement program aimed at supporting students in their future careers. This award is available to all undergraduate and postgraduate students at Queen’s University Belfast.

The Future-Ready Award, (FRA), offers students the opportunity to gain formal recognition and a certificate for their extracurricular activities and experiences during their time at Queen’s. What sets this award apart is its unique ability to help students reflect on their journey and take ownership of their futures by identifying key skills that future employers will value.

The FRA provides three different routes for students to unlock their potential: the Single route, which involves dedicating 30+ hours to one activity; the Combined route, where students can participate in two or more activities again up to or more than 30+hours; and the Work Experience route, which requires 50+ hours of self-organized, career-relevant work placements.

Deirdre Lynskey, Student Development Manager, commented, "The FRA offers a diverse range of activities tailored to each student's individual needs. What truly makes it stand out is its ability to empower students to reflect on their unique journey and articulate their identifiable skills, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, which are crucial for the future workplace. The FRA allows students to own their futures."

The official launch of the Future-Ready Award was held at the Cube, One Elmwood, on January 22, 2024. Attendees had the opportunity to hear directly from the Careers department, students themselves, and employers about the benefits of the FRA. Over the next few weeks, pop-up events will take place across the Queen’s campus, providing students with the chance to learn more about the FRA award and how they can get involved.

Future-Ready Award Pop-Up Events Schedule:

• Monday 29 January, 10am – 1pm: One Elmwood Foyer
• Monday 12 February, 11am – 2pm: McClay Library
• Monday 19 February, 11am – 2pm: Junction Cafe
• Monday 26 February, 11am – 2pm: Business School

To learn more about the Future-Ready Award and how to participate, please visit go.qub.ac.uk/futurereadyaward