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Accelerate

Accelerate Women's Development Programme is Queen Mary's personal development programme for undergraduate and postgraduate women and non-binary students.

Delivered as part of the Aspire career development programme, Accelerate equips students with the skills, confidence and networks needed to thrive in their future careers. 

We invite employers, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals to engage with Accelerate, whether through guest speaking, mentoring, or collaboration, to help shape and inspire emerging talent.

What is Accelerate?

Accelerate is a six-week, in-person development programme designed to support students from all disciplines and backgrounds. It focuses on building self-awareness, confidence and professional capability, while addressing the challenges many students encounter during their university journey and transition into the workplace. 

Through a structured series of workshops, students gain practical tools to: 

  • Strengthen self-awareness and confidence. 
  • Identify and communicate their strengths. 
  • Develop authentic leadership styles. 
  • Build and sustain diverse professional networks. 
  • Navigate uncertainty and prepare for life after graduation. 

The programme is highly interactive, action-focused and rooted in real-world application - making employer engagement a vital component. 

Become a speaker, partner or mentor

Email accelerate@qmul.ac.uk to work with us

How can you collaborate or partner with Accelerate?

By contributing to the programme, your organisation can: 

  • Connect with diverse, high-potential student talent across disciplines. 
  • Enhance your employer brand on campus and demonstrate commitment to inclusion and equity. 
  • Share insight and expertise that reflects current industry challenges and opportunities. 
  • Support students’ personal and professional growth, helping them develop workplace-ready skills. 
  • Build meaningful relationships with early-career candidates in an engaging, supportive setting. 

Research highlights the importance of self-awareness, peer networks and mentorship in student success. Your involvement can play a key role in strengthening these areas and shaping future leaders. 

Opportunities to get involved

We welcome employers and entrepreneurs to get involved in a number of different ways: 

  • Guest speaking: Share your career journey, leadership insights or sector expertise. 
  • Panel participation: Contribute to discussions on topics such as confidence, networking, or navigating career pathways. 
  • Workshops or interactive sessions: Deliver practical, skills-based activities. 
  • Mentoring and networking: Connect directly with students and support their development. 

Programme structure

  • Dates: to be confirmed for 2026
  • Format: Six weekly in-person workshops (two hours each)
  • Learning approach: 

- Interactive sessions and practical activities 

- Student workbooks and guided reflection 

- Guest speakers and role models 

- Peer support and networking opportunities 

Core topics include: 

  • Understanding strengths and overcoming barriers such as imposter syndrome. 
  • Building and maintaining professional networks. 
  • Communicating with clarity and authenticity. 
  • Developing resilience and a growth mindset. 
  • Setting boundaries and asserting oneself. 
  • Exploring future career pathways and personal goals. 

Students also gain recognition through Queen Mary Graduate Attributes development, Aspire programme certificate and a record on their HEAR transcript. 

Become a speaker, partner or mentor

Email accelerate@qmul.ac.uk to work with us
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