WANT to go to university but don’t think you can afford it? Then consider applying for a company scholarship.
Offered by firms keen to hire graduates, the grants cover your fees and, in many cases, living expenses too.
How a company scholarship could be a better option than university for you – from mentorship to living expenses[/caption]
Some add in mentorship, work experience and, of course, a job afterwards if you make the grade.
University scholarships are relatively new to the UK — they have a long tradition in the US — and are used by leading firms to find top new talent.
This week is the National Scholarship Week, with awards on offer from companies including Amazon and Nationwide.
When the Week launched in 2023, there was £300,000 worth of funding available. This year there are 100 scholarships worth £1.1million.
The week is backed by student finance specialist Blackbullion, whose research shows more than three-quarters of students are stressed about finances, with an average £365 monthly gap between what they need and what they have.
Official statistics show that around 40,000 students quit their courses each year, with many blaming money worries.
Blackbullion CEO Vivi Friedgut explains: “A world-class knowledge economy doesn’t happen by accident, it’s built on access, opportunity and bold solutions which ensure students can thrive and drive the UK forward.
“National Scholarships Week is breaking down financial barriers for students nationwide.”
For the first time this year, there is a scholarship open specifically to white working-class boys.
Statistics show just 13.7 per cent of white boys on free school meals progress to higher education, against 16.1 per cent of mixed ethnicity boys and 22.2 per cent of white girls in the same position.
The scholarship is being provided by talent management software firm TalentMapper, whose working-class founders Martin Mason and Carl Tucker struggled to pay their own way through university.
Expert tips for a successful application
WANT to apply for a scholarship? Blackbullion’s scholarships expert Jon Hering shares his tips . . .
Be prepared: Many scholarships open for applications in April, so start preparing now. There’s a second window in September.
Check what’s on offer: As well as financial aid, many scholarships offer internships, mentorship and work experience.
These extras can be pivotal in building your career. Seek scholarships aligned with your goals as these opportunities will make you more appealing to potential employers.
Cover all the channels: Search through universities and use thescholarshiphub.org.uk and study-uk.britishcouncil.org/scholarships-funding.
Also check out Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok. Sign up for newsletters from relevant sites and follow key scholarship influencers.
Increase your chances: Ensure employers know why you are applying and what the scholarship will mean for your ability to achieve your goals. Stand out by sharing your individual story.
Connect future goals to the subject you have chosen: This shows your dedication to your education and your future, which funders really value. Research the funder, too.
Be cautious of AI: Reviewers can tell when AI is used in scholarship applications. Be sure to inject your personality into your application.
Provide evidence: Many scholarships will be targeted towards students who need funding due to their personal circumstances. Have bank statements, student loan entitlement letters and photo ID ready.
Apply widely: There are a lot of students, and too few opportunities. Apply to as many scholarships and bursaries as possible for the best chance of success.
‘Scheme gave me money… and freedom’
Rayane Ourari was awarded a Nationwide Building Society Scholarship covering maintenance support, mentorship and two internships[/caption]
GROWING up in a community where higher education wasn’t a common path, Rayane Ourari was worried about accumulating student debt.
Just before his A-levels, he was diagnosed with a brain tumour and lost vision in one eye.
However, he has been awarded a Nationwide Building Society Scholarship covering maintenance support, mentorship and two internships to study maths and statistics at a top London university.
Rayane, 19, from Bromley, Kent, said: “So many people assume that if you’re smart, you’ll just figure it out, but that’s not how it works.
“There are students who are just as talented as the top candidates, but they don’t have the financial backing or the networks to get their foot in the door.
“I always wanted to aim high, and now I have the chance to do that.
“The scholarship didn’t just give me money, it gave me freedom.
“Now, I can think about the future instead of worrying about day to day expenses.
“Scholarships are not just handing out money, they’re investing in people.”
TALK UP YOUR SKILLS
HIKES to employer National Insurance rates next week mean a quarter of firms are planning redundancies.
But if you do lose your job, there are still hundreds of thousands of vacancies.
Aaron Case, from CV Genius, shares his tips for finding a job fast . . .
Know your CV. Update your it with your latest skills and achievements. Ensure you can talk about any part of your CV. Print out copies to take to interview.
Do a deep dive into the company you are applying to. Research its values, and the role, to explain why you are applying – but use trusted sources such as company websites and social media profiles rather than AI.
Practise interviewing with AI. While you should use AI with caution in your applications, it can be a fantastic tool for mock interviews. Wizco’s Ava and InterviewFocus.com are designed especially for this purpose.
Prep for interview. If that chat is on a video platform, check the required tech is working, ensure there is no background noise and present your best image. If the interview is in person, get to the venue 15 minutes early. Check what to bring, who you are seeing and what to wear.
Nail non-verbal interaction. Interview success is based on more than just what you say. Maintaining eye contact demonstrates engagement and interest. Avoid common body language mistakes such as slouching, fidgeting and a limp handshake, as these can convey nervousness or lack of confidence.
Ask informed questions. Talk to your interviewer about the role, your potential team, company culture and next steps. This is your opportunity to show you are really interested.
Treat every moment at the company as part of the interview. Employers scrutinise your conduct from the time you enter the room to when you leave. Follow up with a thank-you email or note.
Take time for self-reflection. Reviewing your interview experience helps you find ways to improve. But you should also avoid beating yourself up over mistakes.
Get shoe in door
BREAKING into the competitive fashion retail industry is a shoe-in with a new scheme at foot-wear firm Kurt Geiger.
Its Business by Design Academy is a fully funded career incubator for wannabe young creatives.
The digital course is open to students across the UK and offers weekly masterclasses, mentoring and seven weeks’ paid work experience.
Kurt Geiger CEO Neil Clifford said: “Retail is the largest private sector employer in the UK, yet often overlooked as a rewarding, creative career.”
Around 30 per cent of previous graduates have secured roles with the firm and this year the scheme has expanded from 33 to 50 places.
Apply at kurtgeiger.com/business-by-design
Small fortunes
NATWEST has launched a contest for small busineses to boost their growth by winning a share of a £1million funding pot.
To take part in the NatWest Accelerator Pitch, submit a 60- second video about how a cash injection could grow your firm, and how you have set and hit targets for its success.
The best entries will be picked to compete in a series of finals – in London and Manchester later in the year – where they present to a panel of judges. The top three pitches at each final will share £100,000 in prize money, while the overall winner will get £70,000.
Darren Pirie, head of the NatWest Accelerator, said: “Don’t be modest – tell us what makes your business special.”
See natwest.com for details
Jobspot
NURSERY chain Bright Horizons is recruiting for childcare apprentices. For more details, check out careers.brighthorizons.com
CARE specialist Salutem has 178 vacancies including roles for support workers, deputy managers and managers. Learn more at vacancies. salutemcareers.co.uk/v
