Why Social Capital is Important for Students

Jargon buster- what is Social Capital?

Social Capital relates to the network of relationships and connections you build throughout your time at university, both personally and professionally. It encompasses:

• the people you meet
• the bonds you form
• and the support you receive.

At its core, Social Capital is about nurturing meaningful connections that can have a real impact on academic, personal and career growth. 

How does it relate to me as a student?

As a student, investing in your Social Capital is so important. This involves building meaningful relationships and networks that can provide significant support and open up new opportunities. Acknowledging and taking pride in your own efforts and contributions are vital, as they promote resilience, confidence, and a sense of responsibility. Gaining new experiences through building your Social Capital develops your career and academic aspirations where you can achieve more than you thought possible.

What can you get involved in at Chester to build your Social Capital?

Extracurricular activities are great for building your Social Capital and are a central part of the university experience. They also provide an excellent platform to make new friends, especially when moving to a different city. I have been involved in activities such as Active Campus Netball Sundays, the Chester Community Law Project, the Chester Law Advice Clinic, and Students in Schools.

These activities have pushed me out of my comfort zone, and they encourage me to take on new challenges. They allow me to explore new interests, take on leadership roles, and adapt to different environments. Most importantly, these activities offer invaluable opportunities to learn and develop new skills that are not typically covered in the academic curriculum. From teamwork and leadership to time management and problem-solving, these skills are crucial in preparing me for my future career and are highly valued by employers. All these activities count as building Social Capital, which is something to keep in mind for your time at university.

What have you achieved in taking part in Social Capital?

Participating in Social Capital and extracurricular activities has been an amazing experience that has given me opportunities that I never thought were possible to achieve. One of the most significant opportunities was being invited to the House of Commons for the launch of 'Breaking Down Barriers to Law', a project focused on addressing Social Capital disparities within the legal profession. This experience not only provided me with a unique insight into the steps law firms were taking to overcome inequalities, but also allowed me to network with many people in the legal and political spheres. Overall, these activities have opened new doors, enhanced my skills, and provided me with invaluable opportunities to contribute to meaningful projects.

Do you have any advice on what I can do to build my Social Capital?

Here are some pieces of advice from my journey so far:

• Networking- take every opportunity to connect with people both within and outside your interests. Attend events, join clubs and volunteer.
• Build relationships- networking is not just about meeting people, it's about building meaningful relationships. Show genuine interest in others, listen to their experiences, and offer your help when possible.
• Mentorship- seek mentors who can guide you through both your academic and professional journey. They can provide invaluable advice, share their experiences, and open doors to opportunities.
• Collaboration- working with others can help you learn new skills, gain different perspectives, and build strong professional relationships.
• Continuous learning- be open to learning from everyone you interact with. Each person can provide unique insights and experiences that can contribute to your academic and personal growth.

How does the University help me grow my network?

The academic staff across the University have worked to build opportunities to develop your Social Capital directly into your course. Throughout the academic year, the University also puts on special events to give you dedicated time and space to focus on building your Social Capital. Information about these events can be found on the University’s Shout Out platform or in the Student Shout Out newsletter once you start at Chester. These events are marked with a logo so you can keep an eye out for them when you get here!