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Making a difference to complex local and global issues takes a very particular set of skills. Make you sure you have got what it takes

Develop the confidence, skills, and experience to create positive change

Some of the most valuable skills you'll gain at university aren't developed in a lecture theatre. Experiences outside the lecture theatre can matter almost as much as those in it.

Whether you're leading a project, working with a community organisation, tackling a real-world challenge or collaborating with people from different backgrounds, every experience helps you grow. Every experience gives you a story - something to say on that crucial application or interview.

At UCL, there are lots of ways to develop practical skills, build confidence and gain experience whilst making a positive difference in the world around you.

Students sitting around a table sharing ideas
A spoken word poet reads at a microphone from a book
A student and community partners standing next to a dissertation poster.
Collages made from magazines depicting the words community research and community partnerships

Skills are built through experience

  • Learn by doing - The best way to develop skills is often through using them. Apply your knowledge to real projects, challenges and opportunities outside the classroom.
  • Build confidence - Step outside your comfort zone, try something new and discover what you're capable of.
  • Gain experience that matters - Develop examples, stories and achievements that help you stand out in future applications, interviews and opportunities.
  • Create positive change - Build valuable skills whilst contributing to causes, communities and challenges that matter to you. You don't get this from writing essays or lab reports.

How would you like to grow?

Develop your research skills

Learn how to investigate problems, gather evidence and generate insights that can support positive change. You could:

  • Take part in research projects
  • Support impact evaluations
  • Develop research methods skills
  • Work with charities and community organisations
Explore research opportunities

Develop your consultancy skills

Learn how to understand complex problems, work with organisations and develop practical recommendations. You could:

Develop your innovation skills

Learn how to generate ideas, develop solutions and tackle social and environmental challenges.

  • Participate in an Innovation Lab
  • Work with other students on challenge-based projects
  • Develop creative problem-solving skills

Develop your leadership skills

Build the skills needed to lead projects, influence change and bring people together. You could:

  • Lead a student project
  • Coordinate volunteers
  • Facilitate activities and events
  • Take responsibility for creating change

Develop your people skills

Communication, teamwork and relationship-building are developed through experience. You could:

  • Work alongside community organisations
  • Collaborate with other students
  • Participate in Big Help Outs
  • Join social impact activities and events

Skills aren't something we give you. They're something you develop through meaningful experiences, or draw out from what's already within you.

Last updated 19 hours ago