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Employability…. the Dundee Way. Stephanie MacLean Karen Sleith Richard Pool. Agenda. Example of Student-Employer engagement within one academic school (Life Sciences) Overview of work experience & placement opportunities Focus on the Dundee Graduate Skills Award Questions. S. P. E. L.
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Employability….the Dundee Way Stephanie MacLean Karen Sleith Richard Pool
Agenda • Example of Student-Employer engagement within one academic school (Life Sciences) • Overview of work experience & placement opportunities • Focus on the Dundee Graduate Skills Award • Questions
S P E L S “The opportunities open to life science students are endless.” Skills, Employability and Professionalism in Life Sciences School of Life Sciences Learning & Teaching Introduction to MyPDP – Personal Development Planning “Work hard but play hard too. Employers like to see other skills and interests to show you are an adaptable person who works well in a team.” http://my.dundee.ac.uk
Careers Education Input • Level 1 PDP rollout Transferable skills DGSA • Level 2 Goals & Aspirations Spotlight on Careers External Speakers • Level 3 CV building Interview Skills & Prep Life Science Careers Conference
Annual Life Science Careers Conference • MHRA • Biotech • Science Communication • Toxicology • Environment • Forensic Science • Clinical Science • Patent Law • Sports Development • Organised by the Life Science Society & the Careers Service • Open to all Life Science Students • Credit for SPELS 3 • An early look at career options • Facilitates student-employer engagement during & after the event
Continued collaboration between Careers Service, School of Life Sciences & the Life Science Careers Conference • Greater embedding of employability skills in the curriculum • Facilitating increased student –employer interactions
Employability…the Dundee Way(The Placement Base) Karen Sleith Employer Marketing Manager
What is the Placement Base • “One-stop-shop” for work experience, internships and volunteering • Open to all students One of the main employability initiatives funded by SHEEN – 2007 to date Creation of Employer Marketing Manager post - placement sourcing/advertising, CVs, follow up
Engaging with Students • Over 1700 students registered • Nearly 300 students placed in specifically sourced placements • Over 200 placements sourced for Scottish Internship Graduate Certificate (SIGC) and UG Internship Modules – has allowed expansion of taught provision • University’s Volunteering Fair – around 500 students attended 2010, 60 employers • Lunchtime talks, targeted emails, Placement of the Week, joint marketing with Jobshop • Also graduates……
Student Testimonial • “Placement Base is an excellent and easy way to search and apply for placements in Dundee and the surrounding area. I felt the placement I participated in allowed me to develop the skills I have learned at University. It also gave me experience of working in a different environment which I thoroughly enjoyed. While on placement I really felt like I was a part of the team. I would recommend students to use the Placement Base if they are looking to develop skills and experience in different working environments. In gaining such experience it may ensure the correct choices are made when applying for graduate jobs.”
Engaging with Academic Staff • CLARs Network • Employability Sub Committee/ Employability Working Group • Attendance at various talks and events
Engaging with Employers • 500 employer contacts generated • A “menu” of opportunities now on offer • Successful employer breakfast events • Word of mouth now strongest form of advertising
Employer Testimonials • “Our intern has provided a positive can-do attitude and a fresh perspective on old problems” (SIGC Internship Hosts 2009/10) • “Thanks once again for the help we’ve received from our interns, they are a credit to the calibre of students within the University” (IMBM Hosts 2010/11) • “I was impressed by how well the student was matched to the placement. Her skills and interests were well-suited to the placement which meant that both parties could benefit fully from the experience.” (Placement host 2008/09)
Success Stories • Pearson Student Advisory Board • Intern at 10 Downing Street • Scottish Internship Graduate Certificate successes
Contact Details • Email k.l.sleith@dundee.ac.uk • Telephone 01382 386965
Dundee Graduate Skills Award An Award which recognises the employability skills that students have developed out with their academic life while at University.
The Skills • Self Management • Group & Team Working • Professional Attitudes & Commercial Awareness • Analysing & Problem Solving • Communication & Literacy • Application of Numeracy • Information Literacy & IT • Organisation & planning
Opportunities Available • Placement Base • School Tutoring Programme • Job Shop • Volunteering • Sport Clubs & Societies • Student Representation
Participation • 780 registered students during 2010-11 • 18 students claimed the Award in 2011 (12 Life Sciences students)
What next for the DGSA? • Review of the process – Summer 2011 • Introduce Changes – Summer 2011 • Challenging targets for 2011-12