How can universities help postgraduate students improve their employability?

Eluned JonesDirector of Student EmployabilityPresident-Elect Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services

Size and diversity 11,800 postgraduate students

35% of university cohort 60:40 PGT to PGR 50% are international

Profile of PGT studentsThese profiles can be further segmentedby:- full-time- part-time- UK - Non-UK

Pre-experience

PGT

non-vocational

Pre-experience

PGT

vocational

Pre-experience

PGT

Planning to go on to PhD

Post-experience PGT

For career progression/ Continuing Professional

Development

Post-experience

PGT

Career Change aspirations

Other

The Birmingham Postgraduate ExperiencePG Employability provision provided by a consortium of:

Careers Network University Graduate School 5 x College Graduate Schools (academic community)

Also

The Guild of Students International Student Advisory Service Alumni Office International Office

Dedicated Careers Network provision UG to PG transition support

Including research bursary and Café Masters/ PhD

ADEPT conferenceStudent led event

Bringing employers on to campus who wish to recruit our PG graduates

  Leading Academics

Leadership development for PhDs, including career decision making and preparation for job market

Talent Pool

Consultancy and enterprise skills training for PhDs, including ‘real life’ projects with SMEs

  Career Action Planning online tool (on Canvas VLE)

Getting key messages out to PGTs at key times of year, including pre-arrival

  Specialist International Student support

Including student team / ambassadors

  What do Birmingham Postgraduates do? Destination information and case studies available to

prospective students.

University Graduate School Development Needs Analysis

postgraduate researchers discuss with their supervisor what skills they want to develop over the next year, including subject-specific skills, but also skills like critical thinking, communication or enterprise. This conversation is then recorded on the DNA form, providing a structure for researcher development. 

Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Research Methods and Skills advanced research methods and transferable skills modules covering topics from consultancy skills, to narrative research, to public engagement; all covered as short taught courses, online courses and placements. These extra modules are also credit bearing, cumulating in a Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) qualification. 

Skills development programme

a range of subjects, including speed reading, presentation skills, writing skills and  time management

 

Summary No ‘one-size fits all’ approach

Student engagement with their own career management is critical

Peer to peer development /delivery wherever possible

University services must work collaboratively

Employers partners play a significant role

Quality work experience becoming key

More sophisticated offer for International PGs in light of PSW