Employability Bursary: Clara Harrison
Clara Harrison is a 2023 Comparative Literature and English graduate who was awarded the Employability Bursary in 2023.
Clara used the fund to help her attend a postgraduate interview at the University of Cambridge and reflects on her experience below:
The interview for a PGCE at Cambridge was a bit of a whirlwind! From applying to my course, there was only around a two week wait before I was in Cambridge.
It sounds slightly bizarre to say, but the interview process itself was one I found so enjoyable. The day began with a group discussion with other applicants before we were asked to deliver a short presentation and, later, invited to individual interviews. If anything, the process confirmed my passion for teaching and education and served as a reassurance that I was moving onto the right career path.
During the afternoon, I also had the opportunity to explore the city a little more and visit some of the iconic landmarks as well as some of the colleges I was applying to.
After returning to St Andrews, I was lucky to hear back very quickly that I had been offered a place on the course! I was totally thrilled and very glad that I had taken the leap to apply as well as putting in the effort to make sure I prepared for and attended the interview on quite a tight turnaround.
I am extremely grateful to the Careers Centre for granting me the employability bursary, which I used to pay for travel and accommodation. Without this, making the trip would not have been possible. The experience was so rewarding both in terms of being offered a place on the course and in terms of the experience and knowledge I gained through the process itself.
I had not heard of the bursary before applying and am very grateful to the Careers Centre for recommending it. The application process was smooth and the Careers Centre staff were helpful and approachable throughout the process. Being granted the bursary allowed me peace of mind in terms of covering the financial cost of the interview which allowed me to focus on academic preparations, which I am sure ultimately contributed to my success.
It is at least partially thanks to the bursary that I was able to gain a place on my PGCE course which will greatly increase my employability as a teacher in the future. In addition, even aside from the place on the course itself, I am very grateful for the interview experience I gained which I am sure will be useful in any future job interviews.