The Chester Difference Award
The Chester Difference Award (CDA) is a skills award that aims to provide recognition for students who take part in a variety of extra-curricular activities during their time at the University of Chester. With the CDA, students can gain recognition for their extra-curricular activities and develop techniques to showcase their skills and experiences to future employers.
The CDA is designed to help participants:
- Progress career thinking
- Articulate skills
- Understand the recruitment process
- Develop enterprise skills
- Build networks
The CDA is recognised on the Higher Education Achievement Report and award recipients will receive a certificate of completion.
We currently offer 3 levels of the Award:
- The Chester Difference Award (CDA)
- The Chester Difference Plus Award (CDPA)
- The Chester Difference Excellence Award (CDEA)
Current students and graduates can access more information on CareerHub.
Careers Workshops
Careers Workshops are your opportunity to develop knowledge and learn techniques to help you prepare for and find a job, whether that’s whilst you are at university, or after you graduate.
Current students and graduates can access more information in the Events section on CareerHub.
The Venture Programme
Want to explore self-employment or freelancing?
The Venture Programme will help you to develop the skills, knowledge, confidence and connections for your business journey. So, if you’re looking to enhance your enterprise skills, start up your own business or pursue a freelancing career, our events will challenge your thinking, expose you to the business world and give you the opportunity to make something happen for yourself.
Venture events are open to all University of Chester and graduates – within two years of graduating – and you can gain recognition for taking part in Venture activities through the Chester Difference Award.
Current students and graduates can access more information in CareerHub.
Take a look at some of the businesses which have been supported through the Venture Programme here.
Mentoring and Volunteering
If you’re interested in helping others, while at the same time, enhancing your own personal development, you may be interested in the University’s Mentoring and Volunteering schemes. These are great ways to enhance your skillsets and experience, especially if your host employer is linked to your chosen career path, as this will add to your CV and your prospects after you graduate. These schemes also help you to build your network of connections to enable you to get to your chosen career destination.