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Graduate success How Bedfordshire prepares you for work
”Employability is more than just employment. It is about helping the University’s graduates prepare themselves for their future careers – wherever that may be.” Maria Meehan Head of Careers and Employment Service ”I studied for a degree in PR which put me in good stead for working in the industry. The course was really wellbalanced, mixing theory with a large number of practical elements.” Andy Cockburn Public Relations graduate
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Focus on employability A degree from the University of Bedfordshire is an investment for life. We are fully aware of the challenging economic environment our graduates are entering, and ensuring that you secure that coveted career is one of our core values. We take pride in our commitment to student employability and to ensuring you develop the knowledge, skills and confidence which will enable you to take your rightful place in the world of work. The graduate labour market has always been fiercely competitive and is even more so in the current climate of economic uncertainty. We recognise that jobs are changing and employers are increasingly concerned about the range of skills and qualities that fresh graduates are able to provide. Our vision is to deliver graduates who are ’eminently employable, capable of working with and learning from others, of adding significantly to their local community and prepared for life in an ever changing environment’ – and the highly commended quality of teaching and cutting-edge facilities we provide reflect this.
And our commitment pays off. Despite the economic downturn, our graduates have gone on to find great success with 90 per cent either in work and/or further study within six months of graduation (Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education 2011). The University of Bedfordshire really does make sure that you graduate with flying colours and that you are ready to take on any challenge that may come your way.
Maria Meehan Head of Careers and Employment Service
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“The course was very well rounded and the hands-on, practical experience that I have gained as part of my studies was pivotal in getting this job.” Tom Wiggins-Wilson Credit Risk Operations Analyst for Morgan Stanley BA (Hons) Business Management graduate
“Whatever your subject, we provide high-quality teaching in modern, industry standard facilities; outstanding student support during your studies and after you graduate; and concentrate on building links with the local community and UK businesses, as well as on organising a range of career-focused activities which will not only enhance your learning experience but also your CV.” Maria Meehan Head of Careers and Employment Service
“The University’s own TV studio is exactly the same as the BBC’s. The monitors, the sound, lighting and vision-mixing sections are all identical. So my career advice would just be: ‘Go to UoB!’ ” Gemma Hunt TV Presenter for CBBC BA (Hons) Media Performance graduate
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Employment and business focus We have industry links with many professional organisations, including some of the major recruiters at home and abroad. We work with names such as TUI, the BBC and Channel 4, to ensure that our courses and teaching methods are in tune with their requirements. Our degrees have a high level of involvement from prospective employers and professional bodies – whether to provide accreditation (the main route of entry into some professions), a skills framework or work experience opportunities, or simply to offer our students first-hand industry advice. Professional accreditations include:
• • • • • •
Qualified Teacher Status The Institute of Biomedical Science The British Psychological Society The General Social Care Council The Association of Business Schools The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
• The National Youth Agency
“The pool of students we have been able to access from the University has been world class. We have three students who have joined the company so far. I am looking to recruit a web designer, and we feel the best person we will get will be someone from the University.” Daniel Basden General Manager, Windowparts Ltd
And that’s not all. Because employers look for evidence of skills and attributes, we offer plenty of opportunities to put theory into action so as a graduate you will already have experience in your chosen industry:
• Practice placements in the local community, schools and hospitals
• Sandwich years • Assessment centres experience and industry days
• Consultancy projects for real employers including CirKle PR and Kaizo
• Masterclasses and guest lectures from industry professionals
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>>Employment and business focus
The industry relevance Because employers look for concrete evidence of skills and attributes, we provide you with plenty of opportunities to put theory into practice throughout your time at University. Plus, with the new ‘Bedfordshire Edge Award’ you will be able to show off any extra-curricular activities you have been doing to raise your employability. Our careers and employment service provides a number of opportunities and services to help you succeed in the workplace:
• Dedicated employability advisers for each academic department
• Employability Fellows who ensure that career-focused activities and study units are integrated into your teaching and learning in each subject area • Access to a wealth of careers information and resources online
• ‘JobSavviGrad’ – our online opportunity search engine and application management system – which you can use throughout your time at University and after you graduate
• Employment-related events, competitions and careers fairs
• Different awards which show off your skills and ‘stand-out values’ when competing for jobs – including the ‘Bedfordshire Edge Award’
• Chamber Futures – a new membership scheme giving students and graduates access to training and networking opportunities
Plus unlimited careers advice after you graduate.
• Help with securing graduate internships, part-time jobs and volunteering opportunities
“During the course you have your chance to hone your skills and develop a style of production. What the course brings to you is the desire to impress and a craving to outshine others. In all honesty, the three years at the University were the best of my life and played a massive part in shaping me as a person.” Chris Butcher BA (Hons) Animation Graduate Winner of Red Bull’s Cananimation competition 2011
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Subject-specific activities Active employability advisers in each department are tasked with providing career-focused activities that bring a strong practical element to the teaching and learning. All activities are aimed at giving students professional skills that will make them more attractive to employers. Psychology and Applied Social Studies Assessment Centre Simulation These half-day sessions are run for nonprofessional social sciences and psychology students. Our Careers and Employment Centre works in partnership with employers to provide advice and guidance to students on interview techniques, problem solving skills and presentation. Media, Arts production, Journalism and Communications The Professional Leadership Academy allows students to gain professional skills and experience to help them build their employability skills. Students can get involved in various initiatives including Radio Lab, TV Lab, film festivals, music events, reading performances, journalism and more. Computer Science and Technology Identification and Application of Tangible Employability Assets This project works with computing students to identify their transferable skills like project management, report writing and presentation to make them even more employable graduates.
Students are put through their paces at a mock assessment centre.
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>>Development beyond the curriculum
More stuff to put on your CV Tourism, Leisure and Sport Management The Tourism Employability Day is packed with workshops and presentations for students, including preparation for work placements, writing the perfect CV and career options upon graduation. They also gain valuable insight from guest speakers from industry. Physical Education and Sports Studies Preparation for Work in Sport, Leisure, Adventure and Recreation This course looks at ways in which course units can be developed to create more employable graduates. Education The Teaching Fair is the University's premier event for students seeking their first teaching job.are Exhibitors include local authorities, teaching agencies and unions. Students put through Students can gain professional advice, meet potential employers and and access their paces at a mock many jobs.
assessment centre.
Law The School of Law Annual Mooting Competition allows students to develop practical skills. The winning team goes forward to participate in national mooting competitions ad the best mooter is offered up to three weeks work placement within a local solicitors' firm. Business We give students the chance to impress employers through the Flux National competition and run the free B-innovative programme which helps develop entrepreneurial skills. The B-innovative Business Concept and Plan competition supports entrants in developing their business plans for those with a great idea for a business.
Industry experts – including leading figures from the BBC and the NHS – were drafted in to help shape students’ careers.
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Find out more graduate success stories at:
www.beds.ac.uk/alumni/wherenow For further information please visit:
careers.beds.ac.uk or else contact the Careers and Employment Service at:
www.beds.ac.uk
February 2013
+44 (0)1582 489293