Queen’s Students’ Union partners with PwC to invest in a generation of future leaders

PwC will sponsor 150 students to take part in this intensive leadership course.

Queen’s Students’ Union has teamed up with PwC for one of its flagship training programmes. The ‘Inspiring Leaders’ programme, co-ordinated by Volunteers SU, builds on student volunteers’ existing leadership experience, strengthening their understanding of leadership and shaping their future leadership direction.

PwC will sponsor 150 students to take part in this intensive leadership course. Selected students have already demonstrated proven leadership potential within student societies, sports clubs and community groups. Through ‘Inspiring Leaders’, facilitated by the William J Clinton Leadership Institute, they will explore the challenges of leadership; strengthen their leadership skills and translate their volunteering experiences into employability skills. That will facilitate them in improving their ability to lead and create positive change in their communities.

Participants will have the opportunity to meet leaders from different walks of life and learn from their experiences to develop their own leadership style. In addition, PwC senior staff will engage with and mentor students throughout the programme, during ‘Meet the Leaders’ sessions and judging group presentations.

As one of the Queen’s University Social Charter ‘Signature Projects’, Inspiring Leaders recognises and supports outstanding students and encapsulates the power of student volunteering in meeting the needs of society. The continued support of PwC makes Inspiring Leaders a reality, investing in the education, business, research and community leaders of tomorrow.

Roisin Macartney, Programme Manager at the William J Clinton Leadership Institute said: “It is a privilege to work with students who are already inspiring others with their contribution to society and their commitment to their own learning. Inspiring Leaders is an exciting programme that builds on the skills and strengths already there to allow participants to grow, meet challenges confidently and continue to inspire others.”

Stephanie Gowdy from PwC in Belfast said: "PwC is delighted to continue our sponsorship of Inspiring Leaders, a key element of our wider partnership with Queen’s. Whilst obtaining a degree is an important requirement, the skills gained from extra and co-curricular activities lead to a more employable individual. The skills that students will develop through Inspiring Leaders such as leadership, relationship building, working under pressure and innovation are what we and other employers value highly. As one of the largest graduate and undergraduate employers in the region, we see this sponsorship as a commitment to help strengthen the future talent pool. As a top 10 employer for social mobility, it’s great that Inspiring Leaders is a signature project in Queen’s Social Charter.”

You can learn more about the latest student news in Northern Ireland and across the island of Ireland by visiting Sync NI's dedicated 'Students' hub.