Belonging, Diversity and Inclusion

Through Positive Action initiatives such as the Future Talent Programmes, we provide access to meaningful work opportunities to our black and South Asian students and these programmes are continuing to expand every year to involve more students traditionally underrepresented in Higher Education.

It’s important to us that you feel heard. So, we listen to your experiences and help you to achieve your own version of success, whether academic, personal or career specific.

Our Black and Asian Talent Programmes are designed to supercharge black and South Asian students’ career prospects and confidence through access to meaningful work experience (Placements and Internships) and employers with a genuine interest in recruiting diverse talent into their workforce.

These programmes were created in response to the emerging and existing Placement Progression gaps between black, South Asian and white students at Loughborough University. They run over two years and aim to provide:

• A community of peers for students to network with.
• A safe space to share knowledge, experiences and support one another in a professional capacity.
• Opportunities to meet employers that are actively looking to attract candidates of black and South Asian heritage, having understood the importance of diversity within their workforce.
• Tips and advice to further develop your skills for standing out from the crowd in the recruitment process and to maximise your chances of securing your dream role.

Activities include:

• Alumni and Placement mentoring - to develop your skills, personal growth and help you to secure a placement or internship.
• 1:1 Coaching and tailored Advice to boost your academic and professional development.
• Exclusive employer challenges – to experience typical activities involved in certain roles / sectors (great practice for Mock Assessment Centres!).
• Guest speakers of black and South Asian heritage – to connect with people in industries and access role models with shared lived experiences.
• Dedicated talks with employers – to gain exposure and network with employers looking to recruit black and South Asian students.

Find out more about our Future Talent Programmes (Black or Asian Talent) or sign up here.

We’ve highlighted a couple of the Student Success Academy’s Positive Action Initiatives here but if you would like to know more about Positive Action, or read about the University’s commitment to all areas of EDI more widely, you can visit Loughborough’s dedicated webpages here.

Placement Mentoring

“The talks by people in the industry you're trying to enter are always a source of inspiration, and motivation. I also felt reassured and full of confidence when working with my placement mentor along the whole process, who helped me to trust in myself that I can secure a role.”

Creative Access ITV Insight Day

“This trip has been a great experience I had a great time in the ITV Studio and enjoyed seeing the BTS [Behind The Scenes]! I also really appreciated learning about different pathways for future careers that aren’t necessarily related to my degree. I also enjoyed picking the brains of existing professionals... overall a good trip. Thank you!

Please click here if you’d like to get in touch with the Future Talent team regarding any of our initiatives future.talent@mailbox.lboro.ac.uk.

Last updated: 3rd October 2023