Bournemouth University students honoured for employability skills
BU students have won awards for their participation in the Graduate Skills Programme at an event that took place in the fusion building at Talbot campus on 17 May 2023.
Endorsed by and co-delivered with employers including IBM, LUSH, Dorset Mind and University Hospitals Dorset, the programme is an opportunity for students to develop essential skills that help prepare them for the world of work after they graduate. Students attend employer-led skills masterclasses and take part in industry visits and extra-curricular activities to complete their award.
The evening of celebration began with Jenna Darlow who runs the BU Graduate Skills Programme and Alex Jacobs, Head of Careers and Employability, welcoming attendees and talking about the importance of students being prepared when they enter the labour market. Alex said “We have a very competitive graduate labour market, with university attendance on the rise. Today a degree doesn’t always make you stand out from your competitors, so students need to take steps to develop themselves outside of their academic studies. Learning about soft, transferable skills and forming relationships with employers will help them to succeed in their careers going forward.”
BU Vice-Chancellor, Professor John Vinney took to the stage to congratulate students for taking the opportunity while attending university to proactively develop themselves alongside their studies. He then introduced keynote speaker Dr Jeff Mostyn, AFC Bournemouth Club Ambassador and Former Chairman who spoke from personal experience of the importance of having self-belief, a good work ethic, enthusiasm and a winning mentality to succeed in the workplace.
AFC Bournemouth were one of the local employers involved in the Graduate Skills Programme and invited students to attend masterclasses to learn more about the working culture at a Premier League football club. BU student Alejandrina Kisic studying for an MSc in Management with Human Resources attended the AFC Bournemouth masterclass saying: “The masterclasses were invaluable, providing practical insights and knowledge from industry experts. I also had the opportunity to attend the Insight Industrial Day with Lush, which gave me a first-hand look into the cosmetics industry. The Programme helped me to develop crucial self-reflection and goal-setting skills, and the guidance and support from the careers advisors was incredible.”
Claire Main, Economic Development Officer from BCP Council who held a masterclass for the students said: “It was a pleasure and a privilege to talk to BU students about our vibrant creative digital community in BCP which includes everything from marketing and branding agencies through to expertise in VFX, gaming and animation. As part of the master class, I was able to invite ‘Studio Global’, an agency based in Bournemouth. Founder, Darren Mooney, talked about his business including his career journey and outlined opportunities in the sector for work experience, placements and graduate roles. The Graduate Skills Programme is fantastic, it’s a bridge between the university and industry and I genuinely believe it gives students a real edge on graduation.”
The evening ended with the students receiving their awards and an opportunity to network after the event, with some of the representatives from the businesses and organisations who were involved in the Graduate Skills Programme.