1. PMI 2 Seminar 10.9.2008 Meeting the demands of inter- national students more effectively Margaret Dane AGCAS Chief Executive www.agcas.org.uk

2. PMI 2 Seminar 10.9.2008 Introduction & Welcome Delighted to be invited to open this important event & see so many delegates taking part Introduce self and background – 25 years at Heriot- Watt University; AGCAS CEO since 2002; strong interest in international students; PMI 2 Project Manager for joint AGCAS / HECSU / NASES Project Importance of International Students to UK higher education sector and institutions Difficulties of shaping and meeting expectations of government, students, HE institutions and employers Kay role of HE Careers Services in supporting a positive and valued student experience

3. PMI 2 Seminar 10.9.2008 Background to HE careers services work with international students Because UK higher education is increasingly marketed to international students as a firm foundation for a successful career, government & universities have a responsibility to make this a reality Challenges to be addressed in doing this include: - recognising student dissatisfaction with status quo (ISB) - international students expect more for their high fees - lack of adequate work experience opportunities for all - limitations of IGS & Fresh Talent schemes - inadequate employer engagement and understanding - limitations of UK experience for some students

4. PMI 2 Seminar 10.9.2008 AGCAS / HECSU / NASES joint PMI 2 projects Creating a more level playing field – AGCAS, HECSU & NASES Resources for International Students and Graduates seeking work in the UK and overseas Database of Employers Resources for Student Advisory Staff on careers and employment Virtual Learning Environment Staff Training Events International Staff Visits Online Web Community & Workspace Resources for International Students seeking p-t work in the UK International Morethanwork Website Induction & Orientation Mentoring Resources for Employers recruiting International Students International Student Language Utilisation Project International Student Employee of the Year Award

5. PMI 2 Seminar 10.9.2008 Working to meet student expectations Providing more tailored information and resources eg specialist advisers, AGCAS country profiles, HECSU labour market information on key countries Central support and resources to provide a more level playing field and support institutions Enhancing professional expertise of careers & employment staff through AGCAS / NASES training and development Improving employer involvement & engagement Improving provision across the HE sector & the UK Closer collaboration within and outwith universities

6. PMI 2 Seminar 10.9.2008 AGCAS – an Introduction AGCAS includes around 130 HE institutional careers services across the UK & Ireland and has nearly 2,000 members including overseas AGCAS exists to harness the expertise and resources of its members for their collective benefit and that of their clients Members collaborate with a small permanent staff to improve the quality of careers information, advice and guidance for students and graduates and to promote our profession and expertise

7. PMI 2 Seminar 10.9.2008 AGCAS history & achievements AGCAS 40 years old in 2007 – published History Promotes excellence, innovation, equal opportunities and continuous quality improvement in CEIG in HE Provides high quality services and products that support and inform the delivery of CEIG within HE Informs and influences policies and agendas relating to careers guidance, graduate recruitment, employment and further study Develops and fosters local, regional, national and international networks & partnerships AGCAS links with government, employers organisations, professional bodies, Sector Skills Councils and many others

8. PMI 2 Seminar 10.9.2008 AGCAS unique brand of collaboration Extensive range of shared information resources, with Graduate Prospects, for staff, students & graduates Development & delivery of wide range of regional & national professional training & development programmes for staff Task groups & networks to share interests & expertise Central focal point for leadership, consultation & activity Regional networks to respond to priorities and pressures Website, communication media, networks and discussion lists to support quality professional development and practice Relationships with a wide range of external organisations Influence & profile at national and international level

9. PMI 2 Seminar 10.9.2008 Resources Useful websites: www.agcas.org.uk www.prospects.ac.uk www.hecsu.ac.uk/hecsu.rd/index.htm www.nases.org.uk Thank you!