One of the highlights of my year as a Marketing Master’s student at the University of Bristol was participating in the Social Innovation Programme (SIP) with Bristol Hub. Initially, I had joined the programme as a way to get more involved with the community and to engage in extracurricular activities. I was a team member within the program for IntoUniversity, a UK charity that provides local learning centres where young people are inspired and guided to achieve their goals.
In the Social Innovation Programme, students delve into social issues within their local communities. They collaborate in teams, functioning as consultants, to tackle live briefs, engaging in research, problem-solving, and ideation to effect change. Ultimately, cultivating important skills and acquiring professional experience while making a tangible difference.
During SIP, I was fortunate to work with a remarkable team. Each member brought their expertise, making our collaboration highly effective. With our diverse backgrounds and skills, we created a dynamic and supportive atmosphere. Together, we tackled challenges, brainstormed solutions, and celebrated successes, making the whole experience incredibly fulfilling and enriching.
I was also involved in various activities such as training with Bristol Hub and conducting meetings with clients and team members, which were mostly fun and engaging interactions that strengthened my skills such as communication and helped build my confidence.
I got more from the Social Innovation Programme than I had expected at the start. Here’s why:
- Working with an NGO, I facilitated in tackling a particular challenge that they faced.
- Through this experience, I encountered various social aspects that I wouldn’t have otherwise.
- Being someone who always tries to be active in the community, this opportunity allowed me to build on that by actively contributing.
- I feel incredibly happy to have utilised my professional skills to contribute towards society.
If you are someone like me who loves working with charities or looking forward to honing your professional skills, I would highly encourage you to take part in the Social Innovation Programme. It is a fun space, with lots of support available and a great opportunity to engage in activities beyond academics within the university. You will meet a lot of great people, wonderful mentors, and a very well-designed training support that would guide you through each step. For me, it was definitely an experience that I can reflect on not only for my student life but also for my career. I would greatly like to express my gratitude towards the SIP team who allowed students this opportunity and supported them throughout the journey.
