1. From curriculum to career – the development of an employability tool for school of health sciences to use during their studies and into the workplace Dr Lisa Taylor Associate Dean for Employability FMH

2. From curriculum to career
The original employability development portfolio (EDP)
Initial market research of proposed Employability development portfolio website
Proof of concept process
Market testing the proposed website
Next steps
15/11/2018

3. The original EDP
Funding from the Edward Acton Teaching Fellowship Award 2012 University of East Anglia Evidence based tool to support a student’s employability throughout their studies. A continuous process of development Divided in 3 phases of development Develops a portfolio of resources (40 in total) for students to use as they prepare to enter the workplace Feedback – very useful but an “additional portfolio” for them to fill in, “a bit outdated in its format”
15/11/2018

4. Initial market research for proposed website
Extremely well received and recognised by students, professionals and employers as filling a gap for a single platform to capture and record user’s employability profile Has the potential to become a ‘living CV’ that can be used when needed Some employers felt this could become part of the appraisal process or even replace the current approach altogether. An emphasis on the potential for use in revalidation would also give it a clear role beyond graduation. Reservations are around the scale and cost of the task and a perception that to be successful, and attract usage among professionals, it will need to reach a significant scale, and be widely used by employers, and recognised by the professional bodies.
15/11/2018

5. Initial market research for proposed website – cont.
The time was right for something new to help embed employability within the HSC course from the beginning voiding duplication
Reactions to the new EDP concept were extremely positive and many felt this would fill a gap for HSC students and professionals
A simple, online, interactive platform where they could complete and store their employability portfolio was benefit enough…
BUT the additional features, content and functions take the concept to a whole new level
Framing EDP as part of their lifelong development was of real value to students, professionals and employers
15/11/2018

6. Initial market research for proposed website – cont.
The concept of a lifelong process feels like a big enhancement and demonstrates ongoing support from UEA for students post-university, and could become a selling point at open days. That would make us as UEA graduates stand out against others at an interview.
3rd year student - I just wish I had it now! This is a really good step forward and something UEA should definitely pursue.
HSC Graduate - I kept track of everything I was doing using a word document and I’m now in the process trying to look for everything for revalidation purposes.
UEA academic - EDP is evidence of the university supporting students into work
15/11/2018

7. Proof of Concept Funding
Development of wireframes to “mock up” what the website may look like
Focus groups and interviews with key individuals to evaluate the prototype
Plan the next stage of the project based on the results of the market testing.
15/11/2018

8. Wireframes developed to demonstrate the proposed website
15/11/2018

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11. EDP web-based product testing research
While jobs are more accessible, developing employability remained a priority: The difference between getting any job, and the job you really want The initial design, content, features and functionality of the new online EDP tool works extremely well for students and professionals The key to the appeal is the simple, clear and intuitive look and feel of the tool, which encourages regular engagement. The appeal is cemented by the tool enabling users to avoid duplication, keep a track of their progress, and become a ‘living CV’ where all key data can be stored. Many also felt the platform had a clear structure and crucially had a narrative throughout; it was clear from the outset what they were working towards, where they are heading, and how they are progressing towards it. It addresses the pain-point of too many different platforms, and duplication
15/11/2018

12. EDP web-based product testing research cont.
BUT users need greater clarity around what is mandatory and optional The EDP structure also felt quite rigid and structured, reinforced by progress bars and percentages which make it feel like all users go through the same journey Adding additional flexibility throughout would offer a more tailored and personal feel An emphasis on the potential for use in revalidation would also give EDP a clear role beyond Graduation The ‘hero’ of EDP was Skillset and Portfolio which were extremely well received, BUT the other tools were also well received and positioned this as a tool for life, not just for the student life stage
15/11/2018

13. Collaboration with IBM
15/11/2018

14. Next steps Phase 1 – student version piloting – November 2018
Phase 2 – develop and pilot version for use externally to HSC and professional version for use when qualified as a health care professional including other functionality for admissions and career planning
Phase 3 – to look at roll out to other HEIs and employing organisations
15/11/2018