Soar! Development Programme

Improves the equality of opportunity for students from under-represented or less-advantaged groups
Disability

What is it?

Soar! is an opt-in package of activities and support to complement what is already available from the Careers Service. Soar! aims to improve the equality of opportunity for students from under-represented or less-advantaged groups who can face more challenges accessing the graduate job market and postgraduate study. We aim to provide you with the tools, contacts and resources to access graduate opportunities with confidence.
 

Who is it for?

Soar! is suitable for UK undergraduates and we would particularly welcome students from one or more of the following groups:
  • Students from areas where few people enter higher education or are from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds.
  • Black, Asian or other minority ethnic students such as Gypsy, Roma and Traveller students.
  • Disabled students.
  • Neurodivergent students.
  • Mature students.
  • Students with caring responsibilities for another vulnerable adult.
  • Students who are estranged from their families.
  • Refugees and students in receipt of the Sanctuary Scholarship.
  • Care-experienced students.
Applicant day students

Why would I take part?

Studying for a degree or similar qualification is a great investment to make in yourself and your future, but your qualification is only part of the story.
Your employability upon graduating from university heavily relies on two key factors: qualifications and work experience. These are further enhanced by the strength of your professional network. However, if you’re the first in your family or community to attend university, you might not yet have industry connections. Additionally, financial constraints, existing family commitments, or a lack of confidence can make it less straightforward to gain relevant work experience while you are university.
Our Soar! package aims to support you with:
  • developing your career from the outset with our Head Start welcome days
  • building your career confidence with short work experiences such as our Micro-internship programme or Forage job simulations
  • funding work experiences, training and development with our Career Development Bursary
  • building your professional network through our Career Mentoring programme
  • boosting your career confidence and capabilities with our bespoke Soar! workshops.
Our Soar! workshops are available within the Accelerate workshop programme but designed with under-represented students in mind. You can choose from:
  • What to do at Careers Fairs: navigating and talking to employers confidently.
  • Overcoming imposter syndrome at work and in life.
  • Become a Student Ambassador! Applications and Interviews.
  • Sharing disability information with employers: should you? when to and how to.
  • When life throws you lemons: developing your career resilience.
  • Interview and assessment centre preparation for Neurodivergent students.
To find out what else is on, look for the Soar! activities on the MyCareer Events Calendar. If there are any other activities you would like to see, we would love to hear your thoughts; just contact us in the Careers Service at careers@plymouth.ac.uk, on +44 1752 587456 or in the Student Hub .