Employability in HE

Jessica Bogic

Volunteering Opportunities in HE Institutions

• Volunteering at Universities across the UK is widely offered to all university students to get involved in

• With the introduction of the Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR) all volunteering hours are now logged under the HEAR and upon graduation this is given to each student to identify all extra curricular activities. ** This is how DMU uses the HEAR report, this may not be the case for all UK HE institutions**

Different types of Volunteering

DMU Square Mile – 50 different projects across all DMU faculties. Health initiative's, mentoring in schools, subject specific projects and much more.

DSU Volunteering – Volunteering opportunities through the Students Union – different partners covering a whole range of areas – marketing, children and young people, sports and arts and culture.

Every HEI will offer different volunteering opportunities for students, in most cases through their student unions

International Opportunities for students

Erasmus programme – every HEI in UK offers this European Union (EU) student exchange programme. Different schemes for education, training, youth and sport, which was started in January 2014.

#DMUGlobal –is a unique international experience programme for De Montfort University students which aims to enrich students studies and expand cultural horizons – helping students become global graduates, equipped to meet the needs of employers across the world. The programme offers a wide range of opportunities including on-campus and UK activities, overseas study, internships, faculty-led field trips and volunteering, as well as Erasmus+ and international exchanges.

All HEI institutions will over a different international programme to its students.

Student Ambassador SchemesEncouraging Employability

Recruitment

•Information session

•Job description and person specification

•Application form

•Assessment Centre

Careers Service offer advice at all stages

Training• Basic Training

– General session – customer service, widening participation, child safeguarding, health and safety.

– Campus Tours– Accommodation Tours

• Optional Training– Outreach Training– Data Entry & Office Work– Student Life Talks– Team Leader– Train the Trainers

Work Opportunities• University Open days

• UCAS Visit Days

• REACH Events

• Subject masterclasses

• Data Entry and Office Work

to name but a few…

They are also requested by individual departments and central services for events.

Feedback, Recognition & Development

• Performance improvement plans

• HEAR recognition

• References

• Regular appointments with the Careers Development Service

• Awards

Employability in HE - Placement YearREACH Conference Workshop – 17 June 2015Natalie Savage, School and College Liaison

Employers’ Concerns

Work readiness of graduates

Lack of ability of graduates to apply theoretical knowledge to the commercial world

Lack of practical skills amongst new recruits

Lack of commercial awareness

Top recruiters warn “graduates with no previous work experience are unlikely to be successful during the selection process”

Placement data…

During 2013-14 over 1000 LU students (from every school) undertook a placement

A record 37% of this year’s graduate level jobs are likely to be filled by those who have completed a placement

LU students are 23% more likely to secure a graduate level job if they have done a placement

Luke EllisElectronic, Electrical and Systems Engineering

Skills

• Analytical ability• Computer literacy• Creativity• Decision making• Drive• Influencing• Initiative• Leadership• Negotiating• Networking• Oral/written communication

• Personal effectiveness• Planning• Presentations• Problem solving• Self awareness• Self confidence• Self management• Team working• Technological• Time management• Willingness to learn

Support and Advice

Preparing to Apply

Dedicated Placement Co-ordinator

Talks and workshops in departments

Advertise vacancies

Individual advice and guidance for students

Placement Fairs

Mock interviews

Placement Students Contacts Facebook page

Whilst on Placement

University mentor

Advice for dissertation

Advice for Year 4 module choices

Career Success Equation: a good degree + well developed skills + honest self analysis + range of relevant experience = employable graduate

Company Quiz

Sum Up - Benefits of a Placement Year

• Practical experience in industry (relevant to chosen career)

• Improved job opportunities

• Experience of teamwork

• Development of interpersonal skills

• Awareness of developments in specific sectors

• Higher grades and better degrees

• Chance of employment offer

www.thebigchoice.com – 18/05/15