Building belonging and enhancing employability: A Careers & Awarding Gap Project collaboration
An impromptu conversation between colleagues proved to be the spark of an idea that’s since transformed into an impactful collaboration between Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise (CESE) and the Awarding Gap Project (AGP) with the aim of delivering careers-focused events specifically for students of Black heritage.
The AGP is an initiative within the Widening Participation and Social Mobility directorate (WPSM) that supports Black heritage students at the University of Southampton to enhance both their student experience and better awarding outcomes. Spring 2024 saw the launch of the Bridging the Gap podcast; a student-led output supported by AGP, where hosts explore topics relating to the experiences of Black and minoritised students. The launch was hosted at the John Hansard Gallery, with students speaking candidly about imposter syndrome and the lack of representation in professional environments.
It was while chatting at this event that colleagues from CESE and WPSM identified an opportunity to better connect the student talent and insight in the room with existing career and employability support at UoS.
From idea to impact
From here, a collaboration between CESE and AGP was born. Since Autumn 2024, these collaborations have engaged more than sixty Black heritage students, providing opportunities to connect with employers, local business leaders, entrepreneurs, alumni, postgraduate researchers, CESE staff and senior University leaders in a format designed to be both impactful and empowering.
The most recent collaboration took place in November 2025; a student-hosted panel about the power of networking. The event featured inspiring speakers sharing their experiences of mentoring and its value for both professional and personal development.
A model rooted in co-creation and representation
From the outset, the events have been underpinned by three core principles:
Representation matters All contributors involved in the panel spaces (including staff and photographers) are of Black heritage. This helps us to create an environment where open and honest dialogue feels safe and authentic.
Meaningful employer engagement Participating employers and speakers are chosen based on their commitment to nurturing Black talent and removing barriers within professional spaces.
Co-creation with our students Members of the AGP are consulted on content and structure, helping to shape questions for speakers and host the events on the day. It ensures Black heritage students are informing the events they’d like to attend.
Tangible outcomes for students
The result? The creation of a strong sense of community while offering clear pathways to improved employability outcomes. Students have connected directly with employers, received guidance on LinkedIn profiles and professional headshots, participated in mock interviews and been signposted to mentoring schemes, internships, widening participation initiatives such as Career Vision Plus, and opportunities including the Black Futures Scholarship for funded PhD research.
Student buy-in and ownership are central to the success of these events. Attendees are encouraged to be active participants; part of a supportive and autonomous community, with the confidence to participate that comes from the lived experience they share with both their peers and invited guests. It’s clear that representation and inclusivity have been key factors in student engagement. When asked, ‘What made you feel confident to attend this event?’, responses included, ‘The fact that it was professionals from Black backgrounds was very inviting’ and ‘Seeing representation and variety.’
A space that inspires everyone involved
This impact extends beyond students to the invited guests, employers and organisers. Panellist Ntokozo Ndoda from EY says of the events, ‘It’s always such an honour to be invited and honestly very fulfilling and enriching’. And Veronica Gordon, founder of Our Version Media, added ‘It’s such an uplifting event to be part of and it was a pleasure to meet so many talented students’. Toluwa Atilade, Student Success and Inclusion Coordinator, who works directly with the AGP students says, ‘I appreciate the ideas shared and support the students in bringing them to life. They have a genuine desire to make the University of Southampton a place where Black heritage students thrive and belong’.
Ultimately, the legacy of these events will be a University community strengthened by the success and aspirations of its talented students; students who’ve been supported to achieve increased confidence, knowledge, an enhanced sense of belonging and empowerment. As AGP Student Board Member, Zola, told us after the last event, ‘It was wonderful seeing others of Black heritage discuss future careers and to hear and talk with our brilliant guest panel. If we can reach out to all Black heritage students, I envision an AGP that is fully integrated into university life and eradicates the awarding gap.’
Get involved
For more information about the Awarding Gap Project, please email agp@soton.ac.uk or visit Awarding Gap Project.
If you know of an employer, organisation or alumni contact who may be interested in supporting future events, please contact Kass Boucher at fairs@soton.ac.uk.
Share this article to social media:
