Employability Statement
‘University is all about what you put in. At Warwick, the choices of where to focus your
energy are countless’ (Emma, Politics with International Studies)
Our research-led teaching, established reputation, and diverse range of activities and
opportunities in which our students are actively involved contribute to our graduates being
highly valued by employers and well prepared for life after graduation. In the top three of UK
universities targeted by the Times Top 100 Graduate Employers, recruiters are keen to
employ Warwick graduates. In 2009, 82% of Warwick students who progressed into
employment were in graduate level jobs six months after graduating.
Career planning is based on the whole student experience, including careers and skills
development, volunteering with Warwick Volunteers, and opportunities to study or work
abroad. We support the development of career management skills to prepare you for
employment and active participation in global society. International experiences are
encouraged, and opportunities include language learning, exchanges, International Summer
Schools, the Warwick in Africa Teaching Project and participation in our campus-wide events
such as Warwick Economics Summit and One World Week, the world’s largest student run
international event. These and other extra-curricular experiences enable you to develop as a
global citizen and gain the UK’s first ever university global employability award.
Our student-focused service helps you make appropriate choices as a first step towards
lifelong employability. With online services, you can access vacancies, events, internship
opportunities, and career information 24/7. Circa 300 employers are regularly on campus for
presentations, fairs and skills sessions. Graduates can use our services after leaving
Warwick to develop and manage their careers.
Work experience and placements aid informed choices and strengthen job applications.
Employers target us with work experience placements which are posted on our vacancies
database. Many courses include the option of a year in industry. Projects, international
exchanges and international research projects are also available. Warwick has exchange
agreements with partner universities across the world; with European Universities under the
ERASMUS scheme, and a number of universities outside Europe, mainly in the USA. Some
degrees incorporate study abroad, for example, History students can spend a term in
Florence, History of Art students study at our Venice palazzo, and Sociology has study visits
which have included Krakow and New York. See individual departmental websites for more
information.
Associate or incorporated status of professional bodies is awarded by degrees such as
engineering, medicine, psychology, law. As well as degree-specific knowledge and skills,
students acquire skills and attributes demanded by 21st century employers.
Enterprise and entrepreneurship are developed through the curriculum and related
activities. Enterprise activities can help you understand current commercial practice.
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Personal development planning is actively encouraged. Students can record and reflect on
their experiences using Warwick Advantage online activities and resources to help you
understand yourself and what you have to offer potential employers. ‘The Warwick
Advantage Award helped me to secure a job because I could consolidate all my Warwick
skills, achievements and experiences in a global and analytical way which I could then easily
communicate in interviews and application forms.’ (3rd year undergraduate).
Warwick Advantage and Global Advantage Awards give students the opportunity to
demonstrate the passion, diversity, involvement, commitment and skills sought by graduate
employers and receive recognition for these awards on their degree transcript.
Postgraduates and research students receive extensive support, and in addition to the
opportunities listed above, they are offered bespoke skills workshops, networking, events
and careers guidance.
Indira Biswas-Benbow
Employability Manager
1 December 2010
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