International Talent - broadening horizons AGCAS / PMI 2 Event Wed. 8 th April, 2009

Our pitch to international students: “International work experience… right here on your doorstep“

What were the drivers? Poor international student satisfaction on the international students barometer Student demand for part-time jobs/work experience in the Northwest

What is International Talent – for students? Short-term employment / work experience in the local business community. Experiences require language ability, cultural or country knowledge and are particularly suited to international students. Although harnessing their “international skills”, these experiences also deliver real UK business experience.

What do students receive? Work experience vacancies ed directly – sometimes by nationality Additional information on applying for work experience and marketing their skills effectively.

Marketing to students: Leaflets – through events & outreach activities publicity – Careers ing & targeting nationality groups Societies, Union & International Advisers Careers website, blog, Student Direct & International Office

What is International Talent – for employers? A pool of international talent for local business – over 7,000 students from 160 countries. Flexible workforce – part-time, vacations, fixed term. Cost effective & potential for overseas workforce Access to language skills, country knowledge and cultural insights A wide range of specialist expertise – engineering, finance, IT and business skills.

What do employers receive? Free advertising – targeted at particular nationalities & fast Assistance with job descriptions/rates of pay Help with employing remotely/legally Interview facilities Telephone/online help as needed Data on talent.

Marketing to businesses “Soft launch/pilot” to SME mailbase Mailing to graduate employers Press releases to papers, publications Working with intermediaries –

What can students offer businesses? Assistance researching new markets Help with making contacts – to expand existing markets Liaison with key suppliers, clients, customers Organising or attending international trade events Cultural advice Translation services. ……...

A few statistics: 2006/7123 job adverts43 countries 2007/8120 job adverts59 countries 2008/9177 job adverts(*)35 countries (*) broadened the remit to include placements, graduate training and non-Northwest positions.

Positive stories: “When we advertised for a Mandarin-speaking journalist, we were delighted with the quality of candidates supplied by the University. It made it extremely difficult to select one above the others, so much so that in fact we selected two candidates, and intend to use both of them at MUTV in the future.” Janette Horrigan, Station Manager, MUTV

Positive stories: “Marcin has done a great job of researching the Polish market for potential sales for our products; he has proved to be a very professional asset to the organisation. His desk research was excellent and he has been making telephone contact successfully with companies in Poland.” David Hornby, Managing Director, Foilco Ltd

Issues to overcome? 1) Sufficient students registered to receive vacancies….

Issues to overcome? 2) Resourcing requirements – a sustainable feature within the Careers Service’s remit

Issues to overcome? 3) Engaging with business partners / effective marketing to employers.

Issues to overcome? 4) Managing student expectations – number, type and nature of opportunities.

The International Talent team: Amanda Conway Anne Milligan Tracey Monks Any Questions?