Preparing for the Future? Employability and the student experience

Working collaboratively to support students’ career development learning and employability within the Society Joint Honours degree programme.

Anna Butcher, Paula Benton, Peter Dove

Society Joint Honours• Students study 2 of a possible 5 part routes (Childhood Studies, Early Years,

Guidance & Counselling, Disability Studies, Health in Contemporary Society)

• Undergraduate degree programme which explores how theory is applied to professional contexts

• Students gain a breadth of knowledge whilst gaining specialism in two distinct yet complementary subjects

• Students explore a wide range of career options

• Diverse student group with diverse academic and career interests.

2011 Leavers

employmentfurther studyumemployedother

Graduate Destinations

Employability throughout the curriculum

• Enhancement activities• Fieldwork / observations / visits• Internships• Optional placement modules• Student practitioner forum• Core module (level 5/year 2, 20 credits)

Preparing for the FutureCareer planning process:Self Awareness (reflect upon own journey, skills, values, experience)Career Exploration (concept of employability, career planning resources, career options and entry routes)Self Efficacy (graduate stories, motivational stories)Career Management (presenting self through presentations, mock interviews, CVs, networking, career planning, risk taking)Assessment Learning activity log, Reflective Account, Career Action Plan

Collaboration

• Module team (academic staff and careers adviser)

• Guidance tutors• Alumni• Internal and external speakers• Admissions tutors

Student and staff feedback

• Timely and efficient use of careers and employment service

• Builds strong relationships with guidance tutors

• Visiting speakers, alumni are popular• Students like the experiential

learning opportunities (visits, mock interviews, CVs)

Contact Details

Paula Benton, Senior Lecturer, Society Joint HonoursTel: 2156479; email paula.benton@northumbria.ac.uk

Anna Butcher, Careers Adviser, Careers and Employment ServiceTel: 2156431; email anna.butcher@northumbria.ac.uk