What students gain from Purpose Lab: Feedback highlights
Our latest Purpose Lab student feedback highlights a powerful and consistent message: students find the programme meaningful, confidence-building, and genuinely transformative in shaping their future career views.
The Purpose Lab is harnessing the potential of students from universities and colleges by giving them real world work experience in shaping responsible business strategies and social impact initiatives for some of the UK's largest businesses.
Students are involved from a range of universities and colleges, including Bath Spa University, Cardinal Newman College in Preston, Liverpool John Moores University, Newcastle College Group, Royal Holloway, University of London, University of Southampton and University of West London.
Across responses, one of the strongest themes was community. Students repeatedly described how valuable it was to learn alongside peers from diverse backgrounds, to hear diverse perspectives, and to openly share experiences. These discussions created an environment that was not only supportive but also motivating, helping students feel less alone as they navigated their career journeys.
Another key insight was the direct connection to employers and real-world learning. Students valued the opportunity to speak with organisations, discover new brands, and hear directly from employers about wellbeing, inclusivity, and early career development. Many highlighted that this exposure helped them better understand what they want from a workplace, and what employers are looking for in return.
A significant number of students also reflected on their personal growth and confidence. Several shared that Purpose Lab helped them come out of their shell, engage more confidently with employers, and communicate more effectively in professional settings such as meetings and interviews. For many, this growth was unexpected but deeply impactful.
Students also appreciated that Purpose Lab created space for reflection and purpose. The programme encouraged them to pause, reflect on what truly matters, and see purpose as practical, collective, and achievable even as students and future leaders.
Overall, the feedback shows that Purpose Lab is successfully bridging the gap between students and the world of work. By combining community, employer insight, skill development, and reflection, the programme is helping students feel more prepared, more confident, and more purposeful as they step into their future careers.
