Social Enterprise: Adding Value to the Student CV By Karen Burrows and Nick Wragg

Aims and Objectives This session aims to show how a social enterprise initiative can help students differentiate their offering to the workplace and in doing so develop skills that promote elegant self-management.

The project… An experiential project of creating an enterprise committee which enhances the learning experience, teaches students how to take theory and apply it in real situations, and builds their confidence. Balance between academia and employability - work and life - not just teaching students business theory or employability skills but also practical self management.

In our opinion… A great lecturer: Encourages Guides Passes on knowledge Develops skills – ◦ writing; research; presenting; teambuilding; communicating; interpersonal skills (basic customer care) Confidence and a ‘can do’ attitude.

Whether we like it or not….. WE MAKE AN IMPRESSION

Key Factors Higher Education white paper (2010) Changes in tuition fees Key Information Sets (KIS) Data Employer demands

K.I.S Student satisfaction Course information Employment and salary data Accommodation costs Financial information, such as fees Students' union information.

Employability Economic Downturn Lack of graduate opportunities Lots of theory learnt but lack of practice So … How should students differentiate their offering to the work place?

The Project Create a social enterprise Create an enterprise committee of undergraduates The committee would undertake several events or activities throughout the academic year to gather valuable experience and transferable employability skills The group would have to work on their own initiative and as part of a team The project would be extra to the curricula, ie voluntary.

Reasons for the project They would be able to focus on skills they couldn’t learn from their own jobs and work experience in a safe environment Focus is on the process and not the outcome The students would have valuable skills they could use on their Curriculum Vitaes (CV’s) and in interviews

Events to date Christmas Fundraising Day – which partly funded… Twenty Four Hour Timed Business Activity

Run VT!

The Outcomes Students took ownership Examples of students using the project in their studies (careers portfolio) Enhance time management skills; working with others; gaining of social confidence Fostering business links Enabling lecturers to participate (CPD) Raises the University Centre Profile Fosters community links Created induction/seminar activities for use 2012/13

The Outcomes - Internationalisation The project included some of our Chinese learners. No experience of this kind of socialisation previously. This enriches their learning journey and offers confidence in language skills and socialising.

What’s Next Buying and Selling Activity World of work week - Student-led Careers Fair Continuity for future years Alumni – Student Union involvement

Any Questions?