© University of Reading 2008www.reading.ac.uk Naeema Pasha 08 June 2016 International Student Employabilty An employer funded international employability project Bristol Ramada

Warwick An employer funded international employability project The Reading Picture Reading International Students Current Provision The new funded project

Warwick The Reading Picture Student Numbers PostG students we have – 620 PGT, 233 PGR (853 Total) How many IS UG students we have – 571 UG Most popular courses – By department, top ten ICMA (204) IFP (142) Management (136) Computer Science (123) Food Biosciences (118) Law (106) Economics (102) CME (71) Grad Inst of Int’l Development (58) Agriculture, Policy and Development (37).

Warwick Most popular countries we recruit from Top ten countries are China Nigeria India Malaysia Taiwan Thailand Saudi Arabia Hong Kong Kenya USA

Warwick Needs of Reading students as identified through focus groups Vacancies and employers A list of companies that would accept applications from IS and would be willing to apply for a work permit on their behalf To be made aware of deadlines and provided with a timeline for job hunting Information on vacancies To be told the truth about how difficult it is to find work and have a realistic picture of what to expect To have an understanding of what employers are looking for from students and what was expected of them in terms of jobs An understanding of how job culture differs in the UK

Warwick Additional information Language used in publicity is also important. For example Chinese students are more likely to attend workshops if words like job / work / employment are used. Similarly terminology such as networking is not familiar to them and so they would not understand that it forms a vital part of the UK recruitment process Most PG go to their supervisors first whether the advice relates to academic, personal or careers related issues so links with them are key. Quote “Although the tendency is to consider all international students as an entity, we should not lose sight of the fact that they originate from widely differing countries and cultures and they are thus likely to differ in their career needs and starting points.” (Calli Amaris Brunel University)

Warwick The new project Fully funded project of £150,000 over three years from ALDAR. This will pay for the post of International Employability Officer This is a new 3-year project, created specifically to work on international student employability, in order to make the University of Reading’s international students one of the top choices of the world’s best employers. The International Students’ Employability Project will bridge both an internal and external need to assess what prospective students and employers want, and how Reading will need to respond as an academic institution in order to reflect this fast-moving market

Warwick Purpose of Project To develop the University of Reading’s employer liaison and curriculum, with a specific focus on improving the employability of the institution’s international students To help to prepare international students for their next step after graduating from Reading for work or study opportunities in the UK and globally

Warwick Proposed Outcomes Degree programmes that will enhance the employability prospects of our international students A suite of well-publicised and well-attended extra- curricular skills and training sessions targeted at enhancing employability skills Development and maintenance of links with employers to facilitate appropriate jobs and work placements for our international students An extensive employer engagement network that provides specific skill-related knowledge from employers to the University Appropriate areas in the curriculum identified where employability will be embedded, and a clear plan for how this will happen Business Engagement network and processes in place that have raised Reading’s profile as an institution of choice for selecting international graduates from a wide range of disciplines A useable database of employer contacts which is compatible with Raisers’ Edge A network of links with other institutions, both in this country and abroad, with access suitable opportunities for students

Warwick For international students The benefits A worthwhile investment in a degree that means something in the real world Involvement in a University that understands what they want and knows how to deliver it Greater involvement in their chosen degree programme through clear and demonstrable relevance to the job market Regular contact with employers on campus Close involvement with a Careers Service that understands their needs

Warwick For our Sponsors the benefits Brand exposure. Positioning with an institution that Aldar identifies itself with (mainly due to our Real Estate/Construction courses) Involvement and direction with the project itself; selection of candidates; recommendations for activities; updates on project progress Addition to the University’s corporate sponsor list, with invitations to corporate events and networking opportunities Sponsors who are also Employers gain the benefits of the results of the programme. Aldar also use Reading to train staff in certain areas. Merger with Henley Business School facilitated this funding.

Warwick Some plans Work experience/internships We want to develop greater access for international students to work experience opportunities. Employers’ Club A hub of employers selected to work with the University of Reading across campus on a range of employability projects. Examples at other HEIs: The University of Sussex: American Express: 30 graduates per year work part time for the company while taking a part time IT Masters. The graduates gain an annual salary and commercial experience. The University of Glasgow: Club 21 is Business Partnership Programme that provides challenging summer vacation work experience. It caters for students from across the discipline range, including non-vocational subjects. Over 50 employers are members. The scheme is notable in particular for the ways in which it incentivises employer involvement. For instance, the marketing material emphasises the networking opportunities that the Club affords. Member organisations also have discounted access to a range of university leisure and conference facilities. The Annual dinner for members and participating students is hosted by the Principal.

Warwick Measuring success Measuring employability. It will be crucial to assess both graduate employment rates and employer engagement as a result of this project. Comparisons of employment rates, surveying of employer attitudes and feedback from both consumers of this project will be needed. Assessment of take up rates of additional services provided through CAS.

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