Trisha Gupta, a former postgraduate student in English Literature at King’s College London, utilised the Student Opportunity Fund to support her attendance at the International Medieval Congress in Leeds. This prestigious conference offered her invaluable opportunities for networking, skill development, and gaining deeper insight into her chosen field of study.
Reflecting on the experience, Trisha highlighted the practical and professional benefits of attending the event:
_"The funding was incredibly helpful with supporting my travel and accommodations."_
Trisha leveraged the opportunity to connect with professionals and peers, expanding her academic network significantly:
_" SOF funding allowed me to meet new people in my field and make connections with professionals involved in book publishing, conference planning, and future field events."_
The experience also provided a broader perspective on the possibilities within academia, helping Trisha to refine her career aspirations:
_" It also encouraged me to broaden my network by hearing different experiences and think more deeply about what kind of career in academia I want."_
**Impact of SOF Funding**
The funding provided Trisha with resources to engage meaningfully with her academic community and shape her future in academia. She underscored the significance of exposure to varied perspectives and networking opportunities:
_" Meeting new people and making those connections has been invaluable for me in the context of better understanding the field and my place in it. "_
Attending the conference also inspired Trisha to clarify her own path within academia, encouraging long-term thinking about her professional trajectory:
_"It's made me reflect more on where I see myself and how I can contribute most effectively to my field moving forward. "_
**Broader Impact**
Trisha’s journey illustrates the value of SOF in enabling students to achieve career-defining experiences that go beyond traditional classroom learning. It:
* Opened up opportunities for networking with experts and peers in her field.
* Helped her gain insights into academic publishing and research collaborations.
* Strengthened her understanding of career pathways within academia and the skills needed to succeed.
Through initiatives like the SOF, students like Trisha are empowered to pursue meaningful professional and personal development opportunities. Reflecting on her experience, Trisha affirmed:
_"It’s been a great opportunity to connect and to grow, both personally and professionally."_
**Student Opportunity Fund (SOF)**
The Student Opportunity Fund (SOF) at King’s College London is a transformative initiative that helps students enhance their career and professional goals by funding impactful educational projects and activities. Its focus on widening participation ensures students from underrepresented groups can access opportunities that might otherwise be financially unattainable.
**Key Features and Impact**
**Widening Participation Focus:**
The SOF awards additional points to applicants from underrepresented and those facing barriers within higher education and beyond, providing targeted support to widen access. Examples of eligible criteria include: students in receipt of the King's Living Bursary, those who live or have lived in care, are from BAME backgrounds and individuals whose parents or carers did not attend university.
**Designated Funding for Black Students:**
To address challenges such as the awarding gap and employment disparities, 20% of the fund is specifically reserved for Black students, including those from Black African, Black Caribbean, Black Other, and Black Mixed backgrounds.
**Support for Inclusive Initiatives:**
Students are encouraged to propose projects that promote race equality and inclusion, fostering personal growth while making a social impact.
**Personalised Guidance:**
The King’s Edge team assists students in aligning their applications with career goals, ensuring a meaningful and accessible process.