International careers adviser: indispensible or irrelevant Yasmina Mallam-Hassam
What does it mean? Lecturer Publisher Politician Careers adviser Business adviser Trainer Facilitator
Pros and cons PROS Flexibility to innovate CONS Cuts across departments in the university Strategic input Personal cultural development Student relationships Developing expertise AGCAS role Cross discipline relationships e.g. International advisers, international officers CONS If it has an “I” in it, you own it Frustration-one step forward two steps back e.g. Post Study Work Differing agendas Managing expectations
Personal characteristics of an International Careers Adviser Cultural awareness/curiosity Patience Ability to build relationships Interest in legal issues and government agendas International interest and perspective Tenacity Ability to argue a case Political awareness within your institution
Special suite of leaflets for IS Loughborough Special suite of leaflets for IS Bespoke workshops with increased time and interactivity Immigration talks from a specialist law firm English language resource sheet 45 minute consultations option to refer to IS careers adviser Employer highlighting and events
Communication is vital
Level Contacts Enable Strategic Management Vice Chancellor VC T&L (& exec group) EMDA Employers Director IAG Policy change Integration of careers work in teaching Funding for projects Political will Operational Management Director SG&W Planning Careers Centre International Office Profile with stakeholders Knowledge of university policy Access to senior managers and departments. Peer services International Student Centre International office Alumni Office Department admin Knowledge of immigration matters Enhances service through referral Sounding board and support Participants for events and case studies Client Careers reps Alumni Participants for events and publicity for Careers Centre and wider university through ISB and NSS
What are your strengths What do you currently do for IS? What are the strengths of your service wrt IS? What are your weak points? What are your personal concerns re IS does your partner have any suggestions for resolution? What one change do you need to make personally to improve service to IS. Music stops Answer the question with the person opposite you 3 circles, 10 per circle,5 inside, 5 outside Questions
How could it work for you? From what you have heard, what 2 ideas could you take forward to help you deal more effectively with International Students One for You One for Your service
Present a united approach to cases Decide what you can deliver My tips Know your boundaries Establish clear referral points,international advisers and English language particularly Present a united approach to cases Decide what you can deliver Utilise the resources that are available nationally-Going Global, PMI initiatives Use the support of the AGCAS network, ITG, Permission to Work: Guiding students through the immigration maze-02/10/08 York.
My toolkit Going Global-ITG publication: useful for anyone interested in the employability of IS Going Global-employer directory and cultural/job market guides UKCISA-invaluable immigration advice, www.ukcisa.org.uk International advisers at Loughborough EM IS group-moral support and action UKBA Pages http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk/ Solicitors
Yasmina Mallam-Hassam Loughborough University My details Yasmina Mallam-Hassam Loughborough University Y.Mallam-Hassam@lboro.ac.uk 01509 222 093