Faculty of Biological Sciences How can employers support the development of the model graduate Dr Aysha Divan & Dr Stephanie McBurney

Faculty of Biological Sciences Session aims 1.Are we developing graduates with the appropriate skills and experiences that the employment sector requires? 2.What type of learning and teaching opportunities and approaches best develop these skills?

Faculty of Biological Sciences The start… more questions than answers Skills set? Curriculum fit for purpose? Bridging the gaps/ restructuring? Interacting with employers how? Challenges associated with employer interactions? The role of the University in developing employability?

Faculty of Biological Sciences The process - working with employers to inform curriculum Industrial Advisory Board What skills do you expect to see in new graduates (BSc) & postgraduates (MSc)? Which of these skills are new graduates & postgraduates broadly a) good at b) not very good at? How good is the quality of the following training provided on the programme? technical/practical skills transferable/generic skills careers advice/professional development How could we better match our training to the skills you require? Profile of “Model” Graduate

Activity 1: Defining the “Model Graduate “ Knowledge of facts, theories, concepts underpinning subject area Practical experience of research methods Work accurately with numbers (e.g. transform data, statistical analysis) Creative & to spark & formulate ideas Present /defend ideas and position & take them forward Apply information to solve problems /analyse data Analyse, criticise & synthesise information Communicate effectively in writing and orally for different purposes and to a variety of audiences Self-manage (e.g. punctual, plan & organise own time effectively, work independently) Effective self-reflection Work effectively in a team with the capacity to be a leader as well as a team member Adapt & work in response to rapid/sudden changes & uncertainty Navigate & advance in the world of work (e.g. locating & applying for work, interview skills) Globally & culturally aware Commercially aware Ethically & socially responsible

Faculty of Biological Sciences Exploring the ways in which we can work together with employers 1.How do you engage with employers? Examples 2.What are the benefits to students, staff and employers? 3.What are the challenges to students, staff and employers?

Nature of employer links with Universities Nature of employer links with universities % Provide sandwich years or work placements 46 Partner with universities for research and innovation 40 Offer internships to graduates 38 Provide ‘real life’ projects and resources 36 Sponsor students 28 University provides workforce training for our organisation 22 Offer students jobs at the end of their penultimate year of study 22 Participate in degree advisory boards 18 Other 17 Develop research projects with public research funders 13 Provide financial support to new graduate recruits 8 CBI (2011) Building for growth: business priorities for education and skills.

Faculty of Biological Sciences Session aims 1.Are we developing graduates with the appropriate skills and experiences that the employment sector requires? 2.What type of learning and teaching opportunities and approaches best develop these skills?

Where are we now? Curriculum development Skills mapping (linked to model graduate) Professional Development Module MBiols & Biol Sci (Biotech w Bioenterprise) Placements/internships Industrial placement year/study year abroad Work placements/internships What can you do with an FBS degree? iDECIDE Careers Networking events FBS employability series Industrial speakers Leeds Network (online tool/Alumni office) Reflecting on skills development Personal tutorials Leeds For Life Professional Development Module Skills records and reflection (in development) Raising awareness/ Communication Monthly employability newsletters LinkedIn Twitter Career development activities CVs, covering letters, mock interviews, careers talks FBS Careers drop in session (weekly) June Careers Event Pass Scheme

Faculty of Biological Sciences Identified priorities from programme review Teamwork fundamentals Adaptability Communication skills Self-reflection You are required to give a presentation – when you arrive there is no projector but there is a white board…. There has been a cut to the project budget – how will you handle this?

Faculty of Biological Sciences In Summary…. Still on a journey to fully understand what employers seek in our graduates Developing curriculum to match this: – challenging ourselves to deliver employability and professional development agenda Evaluation of these initiatives