1. - Feedback from employer research undertaken in 2016 -
Background
In 2016, Durham SU conducted research with a number of graduate employers about skills they are looking for when recruiting graduates. The responses from this survey highlighted the need for our students to demonstrate leadership potential, as well as a robust understanding of businesses and experience within working environments. We have therefore been developing a number of programmes to help students develop these desirable qualities.
Work Insights was born out of this understanding of the need for students to gain experience within working environments and developing an understanding of leadership in practice, together with a desire to offer something new, which offers something different to traditional work experience and internship placements.
We are hoping to offer students a chance to explore different career paths to those which traditionally are the most prevalent, encouraging you to explore new avenues which you might be interested in and not sure how to progress with, or which you may not have heard of but could be a potential career path.
The aim is to give you an insight into how businesses operate, to see leadership first hand in an employment context and give you an edge in the graduate market.
Introduction
I am really excited to be launching the Durham Students’ Union ‘Work Insights’ initiative this year. I believe this programme will be instrumental in providing students with experience for life post-university, as well as developing their own career IQ and forming ideas for their futures. This new scheme is distinctive within universities and SUs when it comes to improving employability and forging career paths and I hope you would want to take advantage of this. This document outlines where the programme has come from, as well as the benefits to you as a student, and how to get involved. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Adam Jarvis
Development Officer
Durham Students’ Union
“This shows commitment and that they have tried out the industry and actually like it themselves.”
- Feedback from employer research undertaken in

2. WorkInsights 30% 48% Outline Benefit to Students
When will this happen?
One week over the course of the summer break
(June- September) at a mutually agreeable time for
the student and employer.
What will be involved?
WorkInsights
Shadow a manager / senior leader, attend meetings, and learn about their day-to-day roles
Ask questions about the company / business and their role within the organisation
Learn about their work style and views on management and give your views on how the organisation works
Feedback session / interview with the employer to go over what you have observed and how they’ve found you
Benefit to Students
Practical understanding of management and leadership in a working environment
Shadowing senior leaders who are willing to share their career journey and expertise to discover how they got to where they are
Real practical interview practice
Chance to experience a career opportunity which they may be interested in pursuing
Prospect of exploring a potential career which they were otherwise uncertain about or was unaware of
Ability to include the experience and what they have learned on the CV
When surveying
employers...
30%
said
Leadership &
Management
48%
said
Commercial Awareness
… was one of their top qualities when reviewing graduates.
If you are interested in getting involved, or would like some more information, please