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© Lee Harvey 2018, 2019, 2024, page updated 8 January, 2024

A novel of twists and surprises

Case studies: Employability and Diversity: Business Skills development for mature students (KPMG) (no longer in existence)

What is it?

The original concept was provision of a series of skill modules aimed at mature student groups, in collaboration with a partner university's Careers Service. Sessions typically offered at 2–3 month intervals, covering skill areas of primary relevance to the target group.

Rationale

1. Addresses common skill deficits within mature student segment, where work-attitude may be good, but specific skill gaps hinder their confidence and ability to convey their experiences with regards to employability.
2. Takes existing management training material and applies it to a target student group.
3. Builds relationship with universities selected where the target group is best represented.

Prerequisites

1. An awareness of the competencies that are scarce in the graduate applicants that the organisation currently receives.
2. Availability of management skill development modules, and the training capacity to adapt and deliver them in an interactive style suited to the student group.

Resource Needs of Contributing Parties

1. Organisation : Project manager / trainers.
2. HEI : link-person within Careers Service to coordinate the publicity, enrolment and on-site logistics.

Steps Involved

1. Review skills gaps in applicants and select the competencies that are to be addressed.
2. Analyse student demographics by university / department to identify higher eucation institutions offering the diversity profile you are targeting.
3. Confirm a clear set of objectives for the programme - be realistic, particularly in terms of desired outcomes, the timescale to achieve these and the input required.
4. Involve the Careers Services from an early stage in programme development.
5. Plan the content and delivery of the skills modules. Ensure that it is clear that they are not simply a recruitment pitch.
6. Decide topics to focus on competency gaps.
7. Revise material to suit audience and to maximise hands-on and interactive style, and variations in mode (for a Presentation Skills Workshop example, click here (KPMG_Presentations Skills Workshop1.doc)).
8. Settle tutor availability & logistics.
9. Engage the Careers Service for targeted publicity and enrolment (Sign-up in advance is essential).
10. Run the events.
11. Secure feedback and evaluation through the Careers Service and against programme objectives.

Potential Adaptations of Tool

1. Target student segment can be varied to meet the priorities of the business; HEI selection is likely to be flexed accordingly
2. Competency areas that typically suit the scheme include:
3. Presentation skills
4. Team working
5. Communications skills
6. Modules can also be offered which optimise students' chances of success at various stages of the selection process
7. On-line application
8. On-line testing
9. Interview awareness
10. Assessment centres

Top Tips summary- click here! (KPMG_Handout - Top Tips Summary.doc)

Guide to planning your presentation- click here! KPMG_Handout - Planning your Presentation.doc)