Jun 16 2014 : The Times of India (Delhi)
THE FIRST STEP TO YOUR FUTURE
Malini Sen
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TNN
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UK varsity launches professional development hub to improve students' employability
Recognising that a creative approach is required to improve employability of graduates, especially due to unpredictable economic trends, Leeds University Business School (LUBS) launched a Professional Development Hub.“Whilst the hub supports all LUBS students, postgraduate students benefit from five professional development tutors embedded in different programmes guiding them in their job search and honing their soft skills,“ says Elizabeth Bailey, professional development tutor on the MSc in international business programme and the head of the hub.
“It is different from academic earning. It is more experiential, we divide students in groups and observe how they perform under pressure, relate to others from different cultures and work as a team. We make them apply what they learn on he programme to a workplace situa ion in an international context,“ adds Bailey.
According to her, the key soft skills include communication, presentation, self awareness, emotional ntelligence, academic writing, teamwork, etc. Besides an academic degree, she says, these skills are important to make graduates more em ployable in the 21st century. Though over a year old, the hub is continuously evolving, adds Bailey.
Additionally, all University of Leeds students have access to the Careers Centre, which works closely with local, national and international employers. Leeds is currently the 8th most targeted university for the UK's top employers (High Fliers 2014).
Priyankaa Ankalgi, a student at the university, says: “We are international students and our knowledge about the job market in the UK is limited. The Careers Centre sends us information on vacancies and company details, and helps us with our CV and cover letter.“ Ankalgi has found a job in Leeds as an R&D combustion and controls engineer with JBC Industrial Service Ltd and will be involved in field research.
Laura Trotter, career consultant at the university, says the centre works closely with tutors from all disci plines to familiarise students with the recruitment process, industrial practices, graduate schemes and internships. Besides, undergraduates are encouraged to choose a 12month industrial placement as part of their programme.
“The Leeds approach to employability is based on our commitment to helping all students to decide on their future career, plan to acquire the right experience and skills, and compete in graduate employment markets globally,“ she adds.
The centre has also been using social media platforms in job search and career development. “We help students with their online profiles and teach them how to use social media to interact with potential employers. We also reach out through blogs, podcasts, etc. However, we sensitise students about the pitfalls and how they should use the platforms positively,“ says Trotter.
http://www.leeds.ac.uk
“It is different from academic earning. It is more experiential, we divide students in groups and observe how they perform under pressure, relate to others from different cultures and work as a team. We make them apply what they learn on he programme to a workplace situa ion in an international context,“ adds Bailey.
According to her, the key soft skills include communication, presentation, self awareness, emotional ntelligence, academic writing, teamwork, etc. Besides an academic degree, she says, these skills are important to make graduates more em ployable in the 21st century. Though over a year old, the hub is continuously evolving, adds Bailey.
Additionally, all University of Leeds students have access to the Careers Centre, which works closely with local, national and international employers. Leeds is currently the 8th most targeted university for the UK's top employers (High Fliers 2014).
Priyankaa Ankalgi, a student at the university, says: “We are international students and our knowledge about the job market in the UK is limited. The Careers Centre sends us information on vacancies and company details, and helps us with our CV and cover letter.“ Ankalgi has found a job in Leeds as an R&D combustion and controls engineer with JBC Industrial Service Ltd and will be involved in field research.
Laura Trotter, career consultant at the university, says the centre works closely with tutors from all disci plines to familiarise students with the recruitment process, industrial practices, graduate schemes and internships. Besides, undergraduates are encouraged to choose a 12month industrial placement as part of their programme.
“The Leeds approach to employability is based on our commitment to helping all students to decide on their future career, plan to acquire the right experience and skills, and compete in graduate employment markets globally,“ she adds.
The centre has also been using social media platforms in job search and career development. “We help students with their online profiles and teach them how to use social media to interact with potential employers. We also reach out through blogs, podcasts, etc. However, we sensitise students about the pitfalls and how they should use the platforms positively,“ says Trotter.
http://www.leeds.ac.uk
