Enhancing Student Employablity
A/Prof Karen Smith was interested how extra-curricular activities can also develop students’ employability skills, and used a Learning and Teaching grant to research this area.
Students increasingly realise that in today’s labour market they need more than just a degree and have to differentiate themselves from other graduates.
A BTM degree includes the tourism practicum where students gain valuable work experience and career planning advice, and A/Prof Karen Smith was interested how extra-curricular activities can also develop students' employability skills.
Funded by a University Learning and Teaching grant, Karen worked with Jane Fletcher and Dr Ewa Kusmierczyk from Victoria Careers and Employment Service. Their project focused on Victoria Business School students engaged in the Victoria Plus Programme, the University’s service and leadership development programme.
The research highlighted how students' understanding of employability changes over their degree, from being about getting a job, then realising the skills required in the future workplace, to becoming empowered and more confident about their skills and own employability.
The project has resulted in resources for both students and staff, and developed group volunteer activities for Victoria Plus students.
- Contact Associate Professor Karen Smith for further details.