Faculty of Biological Sciences
How can employers support the
development of the model graduate
Dr Aysha Divan & Dr Stephanie McBurney
Faculty
of Biological
Session
aims Sciences
1. Are we developing graduates with the appropriate
skills and experiences that the employment sector
requires?
2. What type of learning and teaching opportunities
and approaches best develop these skills?
The start…
Facultyquestions
of Biological Sciences
more
than answers
Skills set?
The role of the
University in
developing
employability?
Curriculum fit
for purpose?
Challenges
associated with
employer
interactions?
Bridging the
gaps/
restructuring?
Interacting with
employers
how?
The process - working with
Faculty of Biological
Sciencescurriculum
employers
to inform
Industrial Advisory Board
What skills do you expect to see in
new graduates (BSc) & postgraduates
(MSc)?
How good is the quality of the following
training provided on the programme?
technical/practical skills
transferable/generic skills
Which of these skills are new
graduates & postgraduates broadly a)
good at b) not very good at?
careers advice/professional development
How could we better match our training to
the skills you require?
Profile of “Model” Graduate
Activity 1: Defining the “Model Graduate “
Knowledge of facts,
theories, concepts
underpinning subject area
Practical experience of
research methods
Work accurately with
numbers (e.g. transform
data, statistical analysis)
Communicate effectively
in writing and orally for
different purposes and to
a variety of audiences
Present /defend ideas and
position & take them
forward
Apply information to
solve problems /analyse
data
Analyse, criticise &
synthesise information
Creative & to spark &
formulate ideas
Self-manage (e.g.
punctual, plan & organise
own time effectively, work
independently)
Effective self-reflection
Work effectively in a team
with the capacity to be a
leader as well as a team
member
Adapt & work in response
to rapid/sudden changes
& uncertainty
Navigate & advance in the
world of work (e.g.
locating & applying for
work, interview skills)
Globally & culturally
aware
Commercially aware
Ethically & socially
responsible
Exploring the ways in which we can
Facultytogether
of Biological
Sciences
work
with
employers
1. How do you engage with employers? Examples
2. What are the benefits to students, staff and
employers?
3. What are the challenges to students, staff and
employers?
Nature of employer links with
Universities
Nature of employer links with universities
%
Provide sandwich years or work placements
46
Partner with universities for research and innovation
40
Offer internships to graduates
38
Provide ‘real life’ projects and resources
36
Sponsor students
28
University provides workforce training for our organisation
22
Offer students jobs at the end of their penultimate year of study
22
Participate in degree advisory boards
18
Other
17
Develop research projects with public research funders
13
Provide financial support to new graduate recruits
8
CBI (2011) Building for growth: business priorities for education and skills.
Faculty
of Biological
Session
aims Sciences
1. Are we developing graduates with the appropriate
skills and experiences that the employment sector
requires?
2. What type of learning and teaching opportunities
and approaches best develop these skills?
Curriculum development
Skills mapping (linked to model
graduate)
Professional Development Module
Career development
activities
MBiols & Biol Sci (Biotech w
Bioenterprise)
Placements/internships
CVs, covering letters, mock
interviews, careers talks
Industrial placement year/study year abroad
FBS Careers drop in session (weekly)
Work placements/internships
June Careers Event
Pass Scheme
Where are we now?
What can you do with an FBS
degree?
Raising awareness/
Communication
iDECIDE
Monthly employability newsletters
LinkedIn
Twitter
Careers Networking events
Reflecting on skills
development
Personal tutorials
Leeds For Life
Professional Development Module
Skills records and reflection (in
development)
FBS employability series
Industrial speakers
Leeds Network (online tool/Alumni office)
Identified priorities from
programme
review
Faculty
of Biological
Sciences
Teamwork fundamentals
Adaptability
Communication skills
Self-reflection
You are required to give a presentation – when you arrive there is no projector
but there is a white board….
There has been a cut to the project budget – how will you handle this?
Faculty
of Biological Sciences
In Summary….
• Still on a journey to fully understand what
employers seek in our graduates
• Developing curriculum to match this:
– challenging ourselves to deliver employability and
professional development agenda
• Evaluation of these initiatives