Highlighting our inspiring global alumni community
Join us for a chat with Becky Lawrence, Alumni Relations Officer, to learn more about the Study UK Alumni Awards and how we can achieve even more success in the future.
Tell us about the Study UK Alumni Awards and who is eligible
The Study UK Awards is an annual programme run by the British Council that celebrates the outstanding achievements of international alumni who studied in the UK within the last 15 years.
They’re looking to recognise people who’ve used their UK education to make a real difference in their community, industry or country. There are four award categories:
- Social Action
- Science and Sustainability
- Culture, Creativity and Sport
- Business and Innovation
What are the benefits of taking part?
Alumni who reach the finals benefit from PR and press opportunities, from both Essex and the British Council, which raise their profile and share their success with international audiences. Winners of the global awards are celebrated on an international scale and invited back to the UK for a networking and professional development opportunity.
As a University, it helps to raise our international profile and highlights the benefits of an Essex education. It also provides us with incredible ambassadors and inspiring stories to share with applicants, students and fellow graduates. It can often lead to further collaboration too.
How does the programme work?
The awards are split in two parts, national and global.
It’s a little confusing because the countries taking part in the national awards changes each year. This year, they include: China, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Greece, Indonesia, Pakistan, Egypt, France, Vietnam, Ghana, Nigeria, Turkey, Cyprus, India, UAE, Hong Kong SAR China and the USA. Each country hosts a ceremony and one winner from each of the four award categories is announced.
If a graduate lives in one of the above countries, they’ll automatically be considered for the national awards and the global awards. But if a graduate doesn’t live in one of the above countries, they’ll only be considered for the global awards.
In the global awards, all applicants from across the world are competing against each other. There’s no official ceremony, but there’s a big digital campaign announcing the finalists.
Last year, over 1,800 applications were received. The judging panel select 28 finalists and one winner for each award. Competition is high, but we’re so proud that Essex graduates have a strong track record in these awards. You can read more about our former finalists and winners here.
How are you involved in the process?
The Alumni Team play a big role in raising the profile of the awards. Our graduates are doing amazing things, and we want their success to be recognised.
On a basic level, we contact alumni who are eligible to let them know about the awards encourage them to apply. But I take it a step further and also reach out directly to those who live in a country hosting a national ceremony and who we think stand a great chance at being successful.
I take quite a personal approach and offer my support to read applications and offer feedback over Zoom. Sometimes this is at strange times of the day due to global time zones! I really enjoy getting to know more about what the work they’re doing and the impact they’re making. Our graduates are so inspiring and amazing ambassadors for the University.
If a graduate is named a finalist or winner, I work closely with different teams and colleagues across the University to share the brilliant news far and wide with our stakeholders.
How can other individuals and teams across the University support?
There are lots of ways that you can help.
- Share alumni stories with us. Maybe you’re connected personally, saw something on LinkedIn or heard through a friend or colleague. We don’t know what we don’t know, so please keep us up to date with alumni who are doing amazing things. Even if they’re not suitable for these awards, we may be able to find another way to share their story.
- Use your networks. If you’re connected with alumni on LinkedIn, share our posts to promote the application period or the success story if on our graduates being named a finalist or winner.
Find out more about the Study UK Alumni Awards and get inspired by our past finalists and winners. For more information or questions, contact Becky Lawrence.