Careers and Employability programs earn National Teaching Fellowship
Claire Aydogan, the University of Huddersfield’s Head of Careers and Employability, has been awarded the prestigious National Teaching Fellowship.
The National Teaching Fellowship Scheme, from higher education charity Advance HE, celebrates and recognises individuals who have made an outstanding impact on student outcomes and the teaching profession in UK higher education.
Claire's expertise in designing and implementing comprehensive career programs, fostering partnerships and delivering innovative careers support has seen her help establish the Global Professional Award, the Women of the Future program, and participate in designing international careers packages for some of the most disadvantaged students.
The Global Professional Award helps students leave the University with enhanced employability and enterprise skills, emotional fitness, awareness of their global operating environment and increased social capital.
Women of the Future was designed to raise aspirations of female students, building soft skills such as body language and improving confidence by addressing imposter syndrome into the curriculum. The program has invited in guests from West Yorkshire police and Kirklees Council as well as around the university to discuss racial and cultural awareness, and career choices.
Claire Aydogan
Head of Careers and Employability
“I am over the moon to receive this award, especially as I come from a non-academic background and I have had to overcome the hidden disability of dyscalculia.
“I am delighted to be recognised by such an incredible body, some of the recipients of National Teaching Fellowships here and outside the university are people I really look up to. It’s particularly gratifying to know that the Women of the Future program has developed a long-lasting community among our graduates, and I know from keeping in touch with many that it made a real difference.
“None of this is possible without inspiring leaders that encourage and enable innovation such as Jane Owen-Lynch, and an incredible team of colleagues who work alongside me to make this happen.”
Alison Johns, Advance HE Chief Executive said, “Advance HE has the privilege of running these prestigious awards on behalf of the sector and we are extremely proud of the way these teams and individuals enhance the quality of teaching in higher education.
“We know that higher education has the power to transform lives but this doesn’t happen by default. Outstanding teaching is the result of knowledge, commitment, passion, energy and creativity. All of these 2024 winners demonstrate these attributes and put them into practice with excellent results.
“It is vital for student success that we invest in higher education teaching and promote the value of excellence."