Reflecting on the Power of Collaboration: Bridging Academia and Career Success.
Over the last few days, I’ve had the privilege of spending time with our dedicated Careers and Employment team at the University, and it has been an eye-opening experience indeed.
As an academic, I am often focused on curriculum delivery and ensuring the students receive the best education, understand the curriculum and leave with good grades. However, the true impact of education extends beyond the classroom. I believe we can do more in actively preparing students for their journey ahead, helping them bridge the gap between theory and practice.
Being the academic link at a recent interview process in the Careers and Employment teams has expanded my perspective on this. It is not just what we teach; it is about how we empower the students to apply the knowledge in the real world.
Here are a few takeaways from this experience.
1. Connecting the Dots: The need for greater collaboration between academia and career services. This helps connect what the students learn with the skills they need to succeed in the marketplace. A greater synergy between these two worlds is where transformation and true student success happens.
2. Practical Insights: My time with the team has highlighted the greater need for real-world insights beyond teaching theory. Students also require practical guidance and exposure to industry trends and standards. What do the employers need and require? Build that into the curriculum.
3. Tailored Support: Every student’s journey is different, unique and the careers team excel at providing such personalised support and take into account other aspects of the student’s journey beyond programme level. I was pleased with how much data and research goes into preparing for a consultation with students.
4. Lifelong Learning: We never stop learning. Learning doesn’t end with the degree. We learn on the job, we learn at home. Learning is a lifelong journey. Our collaboration reinforces understanding the transition points for students, how we transfer skills across sectors, the importance of adapting to new environments and a love for learning.
Special thanks to Jo Eaton Careers & Employment Manager for her dedication to enhancing employability here at UL. Thanks again for inviting me to be part of the interview process and for fostering stronger connections between academia and career success for students. It has been an absolute pleasure to work alongside you and the team. Shout out to Helen Meyer and Russell for the great work.
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