Universities can support employability initiatives by creating a focused career guidance programme that is both informed and delivered by experienced professionals from industry
Supporting students with focused career coaching from industry experts can play a crucial role in enhancing their employability. Joe Wood, co-founder of coaching and mentoring platform Wiseup, believes that industry insight and practical, bespoke career advice is an invaluable resource for students.
Speaking at a Digital Universities Week session, hosted by Times Higher Education in partnership with Wiseup, Wood described how regular group mentoring, one-to-one sessions and expert speakers support a university’s employability initiatives. Drawing from 120 experts, Wiseup partners with institutions to bring academia and business closer together and improve sector knowledge and skills.
“We are looking to increase the numbers of students going into fulfilling careers post-education,” said Wood. “We supplement the fantastic support offered by universities and their alumni networks by pinpointing industry leaders and professional coaches on demand, and managing programmes. If our network didn’t have a particularly niche industry, we could go out and find the people with the correct qualifications and experience to deliver [mentorship] via Wiseup.”
Input from higher education institutions is vital. The coaching and mentoring programmes are collaborative and tailored to the needs of a university’s student body. Whether students are in their first or final years, the content is pitched to their level. Students are coached in interview skills, preparing CVs and portfolios, and securing internships.
Talks and Q&As with industry insiders can demystify the career path, said Wood, and are especially beneficial to students who might otherwise lack a network of contacts within industry.
Nayanee Silva, a Wiseup mentor with more than 30 years of corporate experience in global finance, consultancy and business management, said Wiseup “gives students a chance to see how their skills could be applied to jobs and industry” and offers universities a unique opportunity to offer focused career guidance.
Watch the session on demand above or on the THE Connect YouTube channel.
Find out more about Wiseup.
