Employability in HE Jessica Bogic

Volunteering Opportunities in HE Institutions Volunteering at Universities across the UK is widely offered to all university students to get involved in With the introduction of the Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR) all volunteering hours are now logged under the HEAR and upon graduation this is given to each student to identify all extra curricular activities. ** This is how DMU uses the HEAR report, this may not be the case for all UK HE institutions**

Different types of Volunteering DMU Square Mile – 50 different projects across all DMU faculties. Health initiative's, mentoring in schools, subject specific projects and much more. DSU Volunteering – Volunteering opportunities through the Students Union – different partners covering a whole range of areas – marketing, children and young people, sports and arts and culture. Every HEI will offer different volunteering opportunities for students, in most cases through their student unions

International Opportunities for students Erasmus programme – every HEI in UK offers this European Union (EU) student exchange programme. Different schemes for education, training, youth and sport, which was started in January #DMUGlobal –is a unique international experience programme for De Montfort University students which aims to enrich students studies and expand cultural horizons – helping students become global graduates, equipped to meet the needs of employers across the world. The programme offers a wide range of opportunities including on-campus and UK activities, overseas study, internships, faculty-led field trips and volunteering, as well as Erasmus+ and international exchanges. All HEI institutions will over a different international programme to its students.

Student Ambassador Schemes Encouraging Employability

Recruitment Information session Job description and person specification Application form Assessment Centre Careers Service offer advice at all stages

Training Basic Training –General session – customer service, widening participation, child safeguarding, health and safety. –Campus Tours –Accommodation Tours Optional Training –Outreach Training –Data Entry & Office Work –Student Life Talks –Team Leader –Train the Trainers

Work Opportunities University Open days UCAS Visit Days REACH Events Subject masterclasses Data Entry and Office Work to name but a few… They are also requested by individual departments and central services for events.

Feedback, Recognition & Development Performance improvement plans HEAR recognition References Regular appointments with the Careers Development Service Awards

Employability in HE - Placement Year REACH Conference Workshop – 17 June 2015 Natalie Savage, School and College Liaison

Employers’ Concerns  Work readiness of graduates  Lack of ability of graduates to apply theoretical knowledge to the commercial world  Lack of practical skills amongst new recruits  Lack of commercial awareness Top recruiters warn “graduates with no previous work experience are unlikely to be successful during the selection process”

Placement data…  During over 1000 LU students (from every school) undertook a placement  A record 37% of this year’s graduate level jobs are likely to be filled by those who have completed a placement  LU students are 23% more likely to secure a graduate level job if they have done a placement

Luke Ellis Electronic, Electrical and Systems Engineering

Skills Analytical ability Computer literacy Creativity Decision making Drive Influencing Initiative Leadership Negotiating Networking Oral/written communication Personal effectiveness Planning Presentations Problem solving Self awareness Self confidence Self management Team working Technological Time management Willingness to learn

Support and Advice Preparing to Apply  Dedicated Placement Co-ordinator  Talks and workshops in departments  Advertise vacancies  Individual advice and guidance for students  Placement Fairs  Mock interviews  Placement Students Contacts Facebook page Whilst on Placement  University mentor  Advice for dissertation  Advice for Year 4 module choices Career Success Equation: a good degree + well developed skills + honest self analysis + range of relevant experience = employable graduate

Company Quiz

Sum Up - Benefits of a Placement Year Practical experience in industry (relevant to chosen career) Improved job opportunities Experience of teamwork Development of interpersonal skills Awareness of developments in specific sectors Higher grades and better degrees Chance of employment offer – 18/05/15