Hear from Rosie Evans, Langwith College Tutor, about her experience of taking part in a York Strengths development day

When I first came to university, I had my heart set on being a translator. I loved languages, and therefore translation seemed the most obvious route. However, York Strengths helped me to see that this was not necessarily the right career path for me, and that my strengths may be more suited to a different field of work. A big part of the York Strengths initiative for me was the Development Day, where you take part in a series of activities throughout the day and then receive feedback from one of the observers.

“ learning to separate my skills from my strengths during the Development Day, … helped me over the following months to make a more informed decision about the type of career that would suit me“

Before going to the development day, I was quite nervous, because I didn’t know anybody in the same group as me, and I was unsure exactly what to expect. I was also not sure how helpful the day would be, as I felt I already had quite a good understanding of what I was good at. However, the day was very insightful for me. One reason for this was that I discovered there is a difference between a skill and a strength. Although I did the Digital Connector task well, I did not find it energising. However, when I am asked to complete a task or job that fits my values of doing meaningful work and helping others, I not only excel, but also feel very energised and driven. For me, learning to separate my skills from my strengths during the development day, as well as receiving feedback from the observer and having time for personal reflection, helped me over the following months to make a more informed decision about the type of career that would suit me best. The insight I gained from the day also helped me during job interviews. I no longer feel that being a translator is the right path for me, but instead have decided to focus on my strengths of being a Resilient Achiever and Organisational Fit Seeker. As a result, I now work in a pastoral role, and volunteer in Mental Health.

As a member of staff at the university, I have trained to be an observer for the York Strengths development day and hope to help students like you to have as inspiring an experience as I had. My final tip for the Development Day is to make the most of it. The opportunities that you are offered at university really can make a difference to your future prospects!

First years – booking is now open for York Strengths development days this term.
Book your development day!