Widening Participation

Promoting Employability

• Lack of Knowledge - students may be less aware of the variety of job opportunities available both in the discipline they study as well as in non-discipline related areas
• Unfamiliar Processes - students may be unfamiliar with job application processes, the production of CV's and the whole set of procedures around getting a graduate job
• Little Self Awareness - students may find it particularly difficult to identify all the skills and attributes they possess and may lack confidence and self-esteem
• Lack of Networks - they may not have the network of appropriate contacts which may facilitate employment and may struggle to overcome their past history.
• Barriers in Non-traditional Routes - some employers have a requirement for particular GCSE's or A levels in addition to a degree and this may be a significant barrier for students entering higher education through non-traditional routes and with non-traditional qualifications.

Further links

Employability section of the Centre for Bioscience website

“Access to What” HEFCE analysis of factors determining graduate employability

GEM publications: enhancing the employability of non-traditional students

1. Stakeholder perceptions of the employability of non-traditional students,
2. Case studies and employability guidelines
3. Enhancement of student employability through professional placements

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