Award schemes similar to Duke of Edinburgh

ArmyofHarmony · 26 Jun 2006 at 11:24

Considering finishing my Duke of Edinburgh bronze award to pad out the cv. I started it 6 years ago... did the hike etc but never bothered with the other tasks.

Are there any other awards that are fairly easy to obtain that look good on a CV? by easy to obtain i mean I could do over the summer, without having to arrange a trip hiking all over the place.

cheers

PsiFox · 26 Jun 2006 at 12:23

The fact that your CV will show it has taken 6 years to complete the Bronze would not impress me if I received your CV.

Shows a lack of detirmination/committment and self motivation. Leave it off.

Similarly
"Are there any other awards that are fairly easy to obtain that look good on a CV"

Any worthwhile potential employer will spot info that is there to pad out your CV and will know how much of a committment you made.

With respect your post does not show your character in the best light you need it to when in the job market

shimy182 · 26 Jun 2006 at 12:30

im sure it will be better than nothing..(not putting it on)

ArmyofHarmony · 26 Jun 2006 at 12:30

Well, you don't have to mention how long it took to do on your CV...

Im sure 90% of people who did voluntary work / ran on the student union council etc... just did it for the CV, and employers know this, but its better than nothing

fatiain · 26 Jun 2006 at 12:33

Seriously, don't bother.

normanthefarmer · 26 Jun 2006 at 12:35

not worth putting bronze on really, its easily obtainable doesn't show that much really and taking 6 years to, doesn't say much to an employer

georges · 26 Jun 2006 at 12:49

Yeah, the bronze is like an hour a week of something for 3 months? Doubt it affects choices too much tbh, the silver and gold are where it's at

shifty_uk · 26 Jun 2006 at 12:57

what good do these awards actually do anyway?
Seem like a load of rubbish, and waste of time to me

normanthefarmer · 26 Jun 2006 at 17:42

shifty_uk said:
what good do these awards actually do anyway?
Seem like a load of rubbish, and waste of time to me

well get young people involed in activities, community work and is just good fun. I helped out a lot with d of e, and helps build confidence, teamwork and its a challenge (especially gold).

A.N.Other · 26 Jun 2006 at 18:40

I've done bronze, silver and gold D of E but I don't believe for a minute they really mean anything. The only reason I did it was to have a laugh with some friends tbh.

If you're thinking of doing it just to put on your CV, don't bother. I'm sorry but Bronze Award means jack - thousands and thousands of people do bronze a year. However, if you want to finish then go ahead - you don't have to put that it took 6 years. Having it on a CV certainly can't hurt your chances.

You can do the Millenium Volunteers Award instead. This is run by the same people afaik but it means more (imo) as less people do it. You have to clock up 50 or 100 hours of community service (e.g. working in a charity shop, helping kids sports etc) depending on which award you want. Unlike D of E, you can do this all at once, so you can get it over with during the summer.

Hope that helps

ArmyofHarmony · 26 Jun 2006 at 20:08

cheers, just looking at the site,

my local volunteer center is next to my old primary school

ArmyofHarmony · 26 Jun 2006 at 20:26

Any ideas of things that generally look good on CV, for any job...

doesnt have to be volunteer work, just some course I can do...

3 months this summer with nothing todo

Amp34 · 26 Jun 2006 at 20:54

How about a HSE First aid certificate. That is a pretty useful qualification to have, only problem is its quite expensive and it takes up 4 full days. On the plus side you can use it to help save lives, the more people who know basic first aid the better.

Now i just need someone to be impressed by my VHF and powerboating qualifications.