Chevening Program Officer Shares Secrets On Leadership, Networking, Study in UK & Career Plan Essays

Summary

This video offers invaluable tips for applicants interested in the competitive Chevening Scholarship. It emphasizes the importance of aligning your career plan with UK priorities in Nigeria, staying informed through UK-Nigeria social media channels, and leveraging the unique networking opportunities available to Chevening Scholars. The speaker encourages applicants to persist even after rejections, stressing that a strong application can make a significant impact. Additionally, it provides insight into how applicants should present their goals, including potential future academic pursuits, such as a PhD, and how to demonstrate their potential contributions to the UK-Nigeria relationship.

Takeaways

• 😀 Research the UK's priorities in Nigeria to align your application with ongoing UK projects and initiatives.
• 😀 Demonstrating how your intended course of study ties into UK priorities in Nigeria strengthens your application.
• 😀 Consistently follow UK-Nigeria developments on social media to stay informed and identify potential collaborative opportunities.
• 😀 As a Chevening Scholar, you have better access to the UK High Commission, which can help with career development and project collaboration.
• 😀 If you are a Founder, consider how you might collaborate with the UK High Commission or Chevening Alumni to deliver impactful projects.
• 😀 Mentioning a future PhD in your career plan is acceptable, but it should be framed as a logical next step after completing your Master's.
• 😀 Clearly articulate why a Master's degree is necessary for your career goals and what unique opportunities it will provide.
• 😀 The Chevening Scholarship is competitive, but applicants should not be discouraged by rejections. Keep refining your application and apply again.
• 😀 It’s essential to convey how your career goals align with both the UK’s and Nigeria’s needs and priorities.
• 😀 Tailor your career plan to reflect a long-term vision that includes opportunities for collaboration with the UK and Nigerian sectors.
• 😀 Personal growth and continuous learning are important in the Chevening application process. Demonstrate how you have improved since previous attempts.

Q & A

What is one of the first steps to take when applying for Chevening?

One of the first steps is to research UK priorities in Nigeria and understand how your intended course of study aligns with these priorities. This will help you demonstrate the potential impact of your studies on both your career and broader goals.

How can applicants stay updated on UK-Nigeria initiatives?

Applicants can stay updated by following the UK's official social media channels, like Twitter and Instagram, where the UK-Nigeria team shares information about ongoing projects, collaborations, and events.

What are some examples of collaborations that Chevening alumni can engage in with the UK High Commission?

Chevening alumni may collaborate on various projects, such as delivering sessions or contributing to initiatives alongside the High Commission. These collaborations don’t have to be formal projects but can also include professional events and outreach.

Why is it beneficial for Chevening scholars to work with the UK High Commission?

Being a Chevening scholar provides a unique opportunity to work directly with the High Commission, which offers better leverage compared to others. Scholars can approach the High Commission more easily for support on projects or initiatives.

What should applicants consider when writing their career plan for the Chevening scholarship?

Applicants should clearly outline how their career plan connects with their chosen field of study. They need to explain why pursuing a Master's degree is essential for their career goals and the impact they intend to make.

Can you mention pursuing a PhD in your career plan for the Chevening scholarship?

Yes, you can mention a PhD in your career plan, but it must be presented carefully. You should explain how the Master's degree will equip you to pursue a PhD, and what the PhD would enable you to do differently to further your career.

What advice is given to applicants who have applied for Chevening in the past without success?

The advice is to not be discouraged by previous unsuccessful applications. Instead, applicants should reapply with a stronger and more refined application, showing their growth and improved understanding of how they will contribute through the scholarship.

How important is it to align your course of study with UK priorities in Nigeria?

It is important because aligning your course of study with UK priorities allows you to demonstrate that you have thought through how your education will contribute to existing or future initiatives between the UK and Nigeria.

How can applicants demonstrate the impact of their studies on their career plan in their application?

Applicants should explain how the knowledge gained from their studies will directly benefit their career development and the contributions they intend to make in their field, especially in relation to their home country or broader global issues.

What is the final piece of advice given to potential Chevening applicants?

The final advice is to remain persistent and apply again if necessary. Chevening is highly competitive, but with dedication, applicants can improve their chances by showcasing their skills, impact, and future goals more effectively.