On 24th April 2014 second year geography students attended a Career Planning Day at the University. This event, supported by staff from the University’s Centre for Employability and Engagement, was designed to help students to think about possible careers and identify actions that they can take over the summer period to boost their employability. The day included presentations by careers advisors on enhancing your CV and getting relevant work experiences. Group activities helped students to find out about the sort of jobs Geographers do and to identify skills gaps. Students also had the opportunity to talk to current third years to find out more about what they can expect in the final year of their degree.
The Career Planning Day is just one of the ways in which students’ employability is supported. In their final year of study Geography students undertake a career planning module. This provides training in writing effective CVs, applications and covering letters, and includes a mock interview exercise. Recent graduates and employers give guest lectures, and one-to-one support is also available from careers advisors.
The students provided very positive feedback about the Career Planning Day. We are now looking to develop a similar event next year for first year Geography students too.
