1. School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research 3 rd October 2012 Careers and Employability Service Nicola Urquhart Careers Adviser

2. What is Employability? ‘A set of attributes, skills and knowledge that all labour market participants should possess to ensure they have the capability of being effective in the workplace – to the benefit of themselves, their employer and the wider economy.’ (CBI, March 2009)

3. What employability skills are graduate recruiters looking for? Communication Report writing Team working Leadership Planning and organisation Project management Enterprise Problem Solving Reflection Adaptability Energy Drive and resilience Integrity Reliability Enthusiasm/passion Self awareness Confidence Contextual/cultural awareness Capacity to develop Numeracy Positive attitude Business and customer awareness IT skills

4. Changes to graduate recruitment Previously… Degree + good application + good interview = graduate role

5. Changes to graduate recruitment Now … Employers increasingly focusing on attributes in addition to traditional employability skills Successful applicants have often had experience within the organisation via Insight days, work experience, internships etc.

6. The Careers and Employability Service Comprehensive web pages Careers talks and workshops Careers Employability Award on Moodle Vacancy database (Graduate Directories) Annual Careers and Recruitment Fair Drop In - Quick Query Careers Guidance Interviews

7. Careers and Employability Service Web Site: www.kent.ac.uk/ceswww.kent.ac.uk/ces

8. Attend Careers Talks and Workshops. Choosing a career Applying for teacher training Careers in the public sector How to make effective presentations Commercial awareness Postgraduate study More information available http://www.kent.ac.uk/ces/events/ http://www.kent.ac.uk/ces/events/

9. Employers visiting campus Examples this term include: MBDA Bloomberg RAF Teach First Majestic Wine NHS PriceWaterhouseCoopers

10. Careers Employability Award (on moodle) www.kent.ac.uk/careers/moodle.htm The module takes about 12 hours to complete But this can be done at your own pace You do this by completing: 9 quizzes 3 short assignments 1 feedback form

11. Vacancy Database All vacancies sent to the Careers and Employability Service by employers, whether for graduate jobs, sandwich placements or vacation work/internships are entered on this database which offers: Email alerts of new vacancies which may interest you Employers notifying vacancies are often specifically targeting Kent graduates, so competition for jobs is lower than on other vacancy sites www.kent.ac.uk/careers/jobs/index.htm www.kent.ac.uk/careers/jobs/index.htm

12. Careers and Employability Service Fair Thursday 1 st November 2-5pm Eliot Great Hall. Chance to meet employers and hear about opportunities

13. Speak to an adviser: Quick query, drop in and speak to an adviser 10.30am - 12.30pm and 2pm-4pm Monday to Friday. E mail @careerhelp and an adviser will respond to your query. You can also book a longer career guidance appointment over the phone or pop in.

14. Get involved Clubs and societies Employability Points Scheme Student Ambassador Scheme KSCV Award (Volunteering) Academic Schools

15. Stay up-to-date with what is happening www.kent.ac.uk/ces www.kent.ac.uk/employability Follow us on Facebook at University of Kent Student Employability www.facebook.com/UKCES www.facebook.com/UKCES Follow us on Twitter at @unikentemploy

16. The University of Kent Careers and Employability Service You can download a copy of this presentation at www.kent.ac.uk/careers/slides.htm www.kent.ac.uk/careers/slides.htm