Get the Edge as a Potential Candidate by Creating Your Own Projects

Get the Edge as a Potential Candidate by Creating Your Own Projects

Innovative, creative and the ability to manage oneself are skills that will be sought highly in the job market. This is especially true when potential candidates show their assertiveness in creating their own projects to develop themselves above and beyond the call of duty.

Most students that seek work experience or employment, either full time or temporary, can no longer rely on qualifications alone. Everybody seems to have them by the barrel load. So how can a student or potential candidate set themselves apart from the 'regular' candidate. Well, young people are now encouraged to apply for funding to help their communities thus creating their own projects on their own backs. They become responsible for initiating to completing and managing their ideas.

An example is the BIG CHALLENGE project which was launched on the 17th November 2008. This is aimed at 16 to 25 year olds. The object is to empower young people who want to tackle a project that is relevant to themselves or the community they feel strongly about. £60,000 has been allocated for this funding round. By taking part in projects like the BIG CHALLENGE, students will be seen as not only contributing positively to society but they will enhance their skills and develop themselves as a strong candidate in their future careers.

So how can you increase your chances in securing the funding relevant for a project you have in mind? Well here are some tips for you to use as a guideline when writing your application:

1. You must state clearly your aims and the beneficiaries; who are you helping?

2. Is there a need and if so what has brought you to this conclusion?

3. Have you considered the cost? If so can you source any other support donated inkind - ie from other organisations or individual who are happy to donate their time or resources you need to deliver the project.

4. Do you have a team at hand who will help you achieve the objectives and aims of your project?

5. What are the long lasting benefits of the project once it is finished?

Usually such projects are approached by people with little experience in actually writing project proposals. It is advised to make full use of the support the organisers give. Listen to the examples of projects they will fund and ensure that you are able to tick all their boxes to maximise your chances of success. Face to face meetings with the organisers or judging panel will show that you are serious and most likely they will remember you when they look through your application.

The BIG CHALLENGE can be found through this website www.bigchallenge.org.uk

The Top Careers team will be happy to provide further information about approaching funders for projects. They can be contacted at info@top-careers.co.uk