The Gold Award: Case studies

David, BSc Business Computing and Entrepreneurship

"The Gold Award helped me to deepen my research skills, cultivate my commercial awareness skills, and taught me valuable lessons about problem-solving, time management, and resourcefulness. While I encountered challenges along the way, I learned from these challenges and developed strategies to overcome them."

Matilda Smith, BA History of Art

"My overall experience of the Gold Award has been a positive one. Before starting the award, I was quite nervous as I thought it would be intense and difficult, but as I started taking part in the activities it came quickly to my realisation that it easily fit around my university work and extra-curricular activities.

Tingwei, MA Design: Expanded Practice

"My Gold Award journey has been a transformational experience for me. I have gained and developed various skills that have helped me to become a better communicator, researcher, and analyst. I have also become more confident in my abilities, developed my leadership skills, and gained a better understanding of the UK labour market."

Anne Louise Fortune, MA World Theatres

"I really enjoyed the workshops and getting to know people from across the Goldsmiths community. I really would not have met as many people as I have if it had not been for this award, as I am bad at going to social events. Additionally, my only current income is the PG Student Loan, and the fact that all of this is free is amazing.

Amber-Leigh, MA Photography

"Overall, my experience of The Gold Award has been very positive and productive. The Award and its activities have enabled me to grow my knowledge, experience and confidence. Over the course of The Gold Award, I have been able to refine my newfound awareness and comprehension of employability skills. I believe that I can now implement the elements I have learnt during The Gold Award to further advance my skill sets."

Lisa Burford - STaCS, BA Social Work

"As a mature student leaving full time employment to embark on a new chapter I wanted to engage with all opportunities university life had to offer.

"Having The Gold Award and my Personal Development Record gives me motivation to continue challenging myself and gaining new experiences."

Levi Thompson - ICCE, MA Creative and Cultural Entrepreneurship

"I found meeting with my Gold Award buddy very helpful, as it was an opportunity to share insight, knowledge and gain understanding of another Gold Award participants' experience.

"My Gold Award buddy and I had a great connection and it was refreshing to share our similar experiences and creative interests. We are still continuing to keep in contact after completing The Gold Award year."