‘Tell me about a time when...’ articulating LJMU’s nine employability skills through the curriculum

Abstract

The development of employability skills and mindset are a major element of a student’s LJMU experience, and part of the LJMU’s Student Employability, Enterprise & Employment Strategy which sets out a ‘shared institutional approach’ to improving employment outcomes for graduates.     

From February 2022 programmes undergoing Validation and Periodic Programme Review are mapping the most valued skills by employers and embedding shared institutional language to help students understand skills such as communication, team working and problem solving are inherent to their core learning rather than an ‘add on’.     

Student Futures is working in partnership to help develop the progressive development of skills throughout programmes, reinforcing and developing skills and introducing new ways that captures students modelling employability skills ‘in the moment’.  This session aims to highlight good and innovative practice of inclusive embedded employability and we’ll hear from LJMU graduates about how their experience of modules, assessments and placements contributed to securing their graduate level jobs.      

“..It [the programme] taught me valuable skills in groupwork, particularly when and when not to rely on others and how to manage a team effectively”. Harry    

“I was invited in for a second interview in which I had to do a dreaded presentation. I didn't panic too much as University had forced me into doing numerous group presentations’.   Adam    

The session is student focussed in helping students identify and articulate employability skills gained throughout their degree, enabling them to talk confidently about their skills to employers and giving them a competitive edge within the recruitment process.  It also supports their confidence and helps them flourish in their early years career goals.      

We’ll be introducing a new Employability Tool, Skills Checker (ooh!).