Shift Happens

The World is changing We are competing in a global society The way we are learning is changing What Universities and Employers are looking for is changing Are you Prepared?

WHAT DO EMPLOYERS AND UNIVERSITIES LOOK FOR ? Everything……………… ……… and more!

Facts 45-50% of students go onto Higher Education At present there are 37,000 degrees to choose from, (offered in one of the 370 Universities in this country). Last year - almost 700,000 applications to UCAS for places in Higher Education. 100,000 did not get offered a place (100,000 withdrew) 500,000 went to University in 2014

 60% of jobs require applicants to have a degree  Only 1 in every 235 students ended up in a job that linked directly to the degree they studied.  70% of Graduate jobs don’t specify a specific degree  2012: There were 130 applicants for each graduate job advertised  2013: There were 90 applicants for each graduate job advertised  The average starting salary for graduates is £  A graduate will earn on average £180,000 more in their life time than a non graduate.

COMPETITIVE COURSES typical requirements Exceptional GCSE profile- several A*+A grades (all exam results MUST be declared on the UCAS form) Entrance Tests Academic rigour – evidence of time management skills handling a heavy volume of work Strong personal statement- extra curricular activities -> rounded personality

DESIRABLE EXTRAS WORK EXPERIENCE – for some courses this is ESSENTIAL e.g. Teaching, Medicine, Vet Science, Dentistry, Nursing Attainment of awards e.g. Duke of Edinburgh ‘The Challenge’ Voluntary work / CAS EMPLOYABILITY skills gained in P/T + holiday jobs- you should not underestimate these

Chief Executives in organisations were asked which were the three most important factors they considered when recruiting graduates? University attended 10% Degree result 32% Relevant work experience/Industrial placement 56% Positive attitude and employability skills 86% Source:

Employability (v academic rigour) ‘A set of attributes, skills and knowledge that all labour market participants should possess to ensure they have the capability of being effective in the workplace to the benefit of themselves, their employer and the wider economy’ UUK/CBI ‘Future Fit’

What are employers looking for? Board Executives list the skills opposite as what they are looking for when recruiting new staff

SKILLS

Employers expect the following as a ‘given’….. Communication and literacy Numeracy and IT Initiative Teamwork and interpersonal Commitment Intelligence Time management

What makes you stand out from the crowd

Persuasion and negotiation Cultural awareness Commercial awareness Languages Critical thinking / TOK Leadership Self-awareness Enterprise Independent learner Initiative and…..Work experience

Changing Face of Education Maths and English – GCSE< C have to continue A levels-modular > linear (100% exam) All A Levels to include assessed Maths Core Maths introduced Only 43% of university applicants have A Levels 31% of university applicants have B Tec’s Some universities now insist on languages On line learning Study Abroad -750 courses taught in English in Europe

10 TOP TIPS TO BE SUCCESSFUL  Choose your courses carefully  Don’t delay thinking about what you are going to do in the future  Seek support  Learn how to manage your time, finances and learning  Gain work experience and/or volunteering  Engage in extra-curricular activities  Build your self confidence and self awareness  Learn how to market yourself  Network, network, network  Ask for and welcome feedback ……. Have fun!

The key to unlocking potential- Taking Personal responsibility Go for it! FOLLOW YOUR RAINBOW !

Priorities? GCSES What do you intend to do this summer? 10 – 12 Week holiday Future? You are competing in a global society ! Prepare !!

Reminder- UCAS Higher Education Evening Thursday 23 rd April Sixth form 7.00pm (need to book places)