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