1. Introducing UK/Malaysia GradLink David Gee Global Careers Consultant www.uwe.ac.uk/careers

2. Introduction 1.The ‘evolution’ 2.The website 3.The future

3. The bid: why Malaysia? Largest number of international students at UWE Strong alumni destinations Development of the UWE Malaysia Alumni Society (UWE Alumni, Malaysian Chapter) Established range of careers work with Malaysian students

4. Initial ideas... Case study directory? Database of employer websites/vacancy sources? In-house vacancy database? …Costs?

5. Initial research E-questionnaire – the challenges: –Too notional and vague –Things lost in translation –Did not get passed on –Why fill it out for a stranger? –Coming up with a name!

6. Malaysia visit proposal Strong, ongoing relationships central to the project’s success Asking alumni/employers for valuable information Crucial role of face-to-face contact in SE Asia Statement of intent Understanding of new pastures Confluence – a great opportunity

7. Kuala Lumpur SE Asia Agents Conference British Council Fair First UWE Malaysia Alumni event Meeting with partner universities Employer visits Meeting with JobStreet.com Meetings with professional bodies

8. Structuring a website Vacancy and internship databases Case studies Advice/information Company profiles News Social networking

9. ’Plan of attack’ 1.Start website production 2.Approach case studies: updates/reminders to alumni 3.(Gentle) persuasion to recruitment agency 4.Chinese new year! 5.Show website to employers, invite them to contribute

10. Gathering case studies KL contacts Emailing alumni UWE Alumni department UWE Alumni facebook Malaysian contacts

11. UK/Malaysia GradLink

12. Advice to others... Face-to-face contact helps If possible - visit Be open minded – embrace change! Be strategic Bring together what you’ve got and what’s out there Use your own network as much as possible Be prepared to write lots of emails! Be patient! Be culturally aware

13. Costs Malaysia visit (x 0.5) Careers Consultant’s time Graphic Design Support costs (IT and Admin.)

14. Ideas for development... Virtual careers fair Virtual placements Mentoring scheme Direct vacancy database ‘Knock-ons’

15. www.uwe.ac.uk/careers