EAN Conference, Galway 29 June 2007 The role of Careers Services at the interface for student – university-employer Margaret Dane AGCAS Chief Executive

EAN Conference, Galway 29 June 2007 The role of HE Careers Services at the interface for student-university-employer in preparing students for life beyond graduation and into employment in supporting students’ personal and professional development in providing careers information, advice and guidance in liaising actively with a wide range of employers

EAN Conference, Galway 29 June 2007 The Changing HE Context Growth and diversification of student population Greater institutional diversity & differentiation Huge range and diversity of HE courses Focus on skills as well as academic knowledge Impact of information & communication technology Internationalisation and globalisation Influence of Government policies and priorities

EAN Conference, Galway 29 June 2007 Careers & employment expectations - students Expectations of 24 / 7 access to services Providing tailored information and resources Labour market information- local and national Central support and resources from AGCAS Help with accessing suitable employers Huge variation in student needs and demands

EAN Conference, Galway 29 June 2007 Careers & employment expectations - universities Good graduate destination statistics for reputation Reputation for good employment records Good information for marketing Good services for students & employers Collaboration with academic staff Input into employability and other strategies

EAN Conference, Galway 29 June 2007 Careers & employment expectations - employers Well prepared students and graduates Easy (& free) access to suitable applicants Understanding of their business and its needs “Oven-ready” graduates Input to careers provision & curriculum Code of Practice for all three parties

EAN Conference, Galway 29 June 2007 What skills are employers looking for? Self-management Intellectual Reliance, confidence, disciplineReasoning, analysis, responsibility, adaptabilitycreativity, synthesis CommunicationPractical / applied Speaking, listening, writing,ICT, data interpretation, presenting, non-verbal, languagesproblem solving, innovation Interpersonal Other Teamwork, leadership, assertiveness,Organisation, time-management, negotiating, networking,business & financial awareness managing people & resourcespolitical & cultural awareness

EAN Conference, Galway 29 June 2007 Career planning & management skills Self awarenessNegotiation Self- promotionPolitical awareness Self-confidence Coping with uncertainty Action Planning Development focus Matching & decision-makingTransferable skills Networking Exploring & creating opportunities

EAN Conference, Galway 29 June 2007 Implications for HE Careers Services Enhancing professional expertise & development Very diverse range of student and graduate clients Greater focus on enhancing employability & skills Need for wide range of knowledge, skills & contacts Understanding of education & employment trends Knowledge of different labour markets & procedures Access to accurate and up-to-date information Need to promote recruitment of students and graduates to employers

EAN Conference, Galway 29 June 2007 Useful links AGCAS Conference 4-7 September, Brimingham FEDORA – European Forum for Student Guidance Network of HE guidance practitioners across Europe