Scholarships can be the catalyst that propel you toward a thriving career and a prosperous future.
They come in all sorts of flavours (including academic, music, financial need, sporting achievement, industry). Besides the money, they are one of the highest returns on investment on yourself you can make. You owe it to yourself to find and apply for them (and grants and bursaries).
If you aren’t convinced yet, here are some reasons you should be applying for them now.
1. Free money
If you are already eligible for a scholarship, filling out the 1-3 pages of questions for £5000 or more can be some of the quickest money you’ll ever make.
2. It builds your personal brand
Receiving scholarships helps you stand out from the crowd and gives you a badge of credibility to introduce yourself. The more competitive the scholarship, the more prestigious it will be.
3. It offers you a community
Scholarships can give you an opportunity to meet people like you, or even better - people you want to be like. Remember who said you are the sum of your 5 closest people? This can work particularly well for schemes targeted at underrepresented backgrounds e.g. women in STEM, ethnic minorities.
4. It gives you professional connections
Being associated with the scholarship body can make it easier to apply for certain internships or jobs they have connections to.
Furthermore, you can find mentors. Either the scheme will place you with them or you can source them from past scholars. These people can give you some of the best advice because they were in your shoes not long ago.
5.You can practise selling yourself
The application process will help you practise presenting yourself in best writing and interviews. This is a skill you will need your whole life for job applications.
6. It gives you perspective
In the process of applying you often have to discuss your current strengths and goals for the future. This is something you should be doing anyway, but is another great opportunity to reflect.
7. It’s an investment into your future
Why not apply? These schemes will open doors to unseen opportunities.