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Queen Margaret University Employability Strategy 2021 - 2026

Queen Margaret University Employability

Strategy 2021 - 2026

“Developing a Positive Futureâ€

The Queen Margaret University Employability Strategy outlines the measures that the University will take to create an environment in which students will develop the skills and attributes that they will need to flourish in a rapidly changing labour market.  It presents a unified approach through which our students and graduates will be supported to develop meaningful, fulfilling careers and lives, and will enable progress towards the University's target of becoming the top modern university in Scotland for graduate employment.

The strategy has been developed through consultation with representatives from students and graduates, employers, programme teams and Student Services, all of whom share responsibility for implementation. The strategy is built on solutions anchored in best practice from across the University, and from other higher education institutions as well as academia and industry. It represents an agreement on the focus and priorities of the Careers and Employability team, programme teams and our external partners over the period 2021-2026. It has been developed against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic and includes projects which will support students to navigate uncertain labour markets and an anticipated economic downturn, and to maximise the opportunities presented by changing working practices across all industries and sectors

In this document, the stakeholders of the strategy are identified, and factors influencing the development of the strategy are laid out, along with a number of principles that provide context for the aims and objectives that form the strategy. A high-level implementation plan outlines the actions required to achieve the objectives, and the people or departments who are responsible for implementation. Methods of tracking progress against the implementation plan, and the aims and objectives, are also included.

Stakeholders

The following groups will benefit from the objectives set out in this strategy and are defined as stakeholders.

Students: The Employability Strategy (ES) outlines the approach through which students will be supported to develop the University’s Graduate Attributes throughout their studies, which will contribute to their employability and success as they leave university. Whilst the strategy aims to increase graduate level employment in support of graduate employment targets, students will be supported to make informed choices for their futures, which may include employment, entrepreneurial or voluntary activities, graduating from University ready for a successful life, and reaching their potential. The implementation of the strategy is intended to support undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD students on taught and research based courses.

Graduates: The ES demonstrates the University’s ongoing commitment to the employability of its graduates throughout their lives.

Students’ Union: The ES gives an aim and a set of objectives against which the University can be measured, giving focus to the partnership between the University and Students’ Union (SU). It promotes the work of the SU, linking employability to, and promoting participation in, sports, societies and the SU.

Programme Teams: The ES assists in developing and embedding transferable skills within and across the full curricula, building upon excellent examples, such as the Creative Entrepreneurship module, and extending practice. It will provide a further mechanism for the sharing of practice and for the inclusion of careers education with programme design. It will provide focus for conversations between Personal Academic Tutors and students, creating a framework for productive employability focused conversations.

Careers and Employability Team: The ES enhances the work of the team, raising its profile and influence across the University and beyond. It provides an agreed framework for careers activity, ensuring that the work of the team fully supports the strategic focus of the institution. It provides a consistency of approach across programmes and schools. It will facilitate communication with collaborative partners (e.g. programme teams) and ensure best possible use of the Careers and Employability team resources, skills and support. It provides a point of reference for the management of Careers and Employability. It will act as an institutional tool through which to share and discuss issues related to employability within Higher Education.

Professional Services: The ES provides the opportunity for Professional Services staff to benefit from the skills, knowledge and expertise of our students. It will also provide an opportunity for staff development, through mentoring and developing students during their internships and other paid work within Professional Services.

The University: The ES will enhance the University’s reputation for being an institution of choice for students seeking to develop their employability, and will support the University’s strategic aims of becoming the top modern university in Scotland for employment and student satisfaction.

Local Communities: The promotion of volunteering as a method to improve employability is highlighted within the ES, and will provide valuable resources for community groups and charities.

Employers: The ES supports the development of skills and attributes in our graduates, enabling them to contribute effectively to their employers and professions.

Partner Institutions: The ES provides an overview of the approach to employability taken by partner institutions so that best practice can be shared for the benefit of students.

Other Institutions: The ES enhances the sharing of employability practice with other institutions assisting the improvement of practice across the sector.

Scottish Government: The ES provides focus and drive to implement the Scottish Government’s employability agenda within Queen Margaret University. It will link in with the principles of the Commission for Developing Scotland’s Young Workforce.

Factors influencing the development of the Employability Strategy

Queen Margaret University: Strategic Plan

The Employability Strategy will contribute to achieving the aims and objectives set out in the Queen Margaret University: Strategic Plan 2020-2025, and in particular, to the target to become the top modern university in Scotland for graduate employment and student satisfaction.

In addition, the ES will enable progress towards the following outcomes: Attractive, Relevant and Market Responsive Academic Portfolio

  • A portfolio that encourages Government and employers to work with us and people to study with us.
  • An increase in the percentage of students gaining work experience as part of their programme.
  • An increase in our graduate employment measure.

Innovation

  • An increase in the number, range and survival rates of graduate start-up companies.
  • An increase in the number of female staff and student entrepreneurs.

Seek out partnership and collaboration

  • A clearly visible and highly promoted cross-university approach to partnership working.

Student Experience Strategy 2015-2020

The Employability Strategy supports a number of key priorities set out in the Student Experience Strategy 2015-2020 (update in progress). These are outlined here:

Key Priority: At QMU, all students will have a transformative experience, enabled by outstanding learning and teaching and extra-curricular opportunities, to help them achieve their individual goals and meet the wider needs of society.

Action 4: Review and prioritise the University’s Graduate Attributes

Action 5: Develop opportunities and support uptake of short periods of study overseas

Action 6: Develop appropriate work-related partnerships for every programme

Action 7: Develop, promote and recognise learning achieved through co- and extra-curricular activities

Action 8: Engender a culture of innovation and enterprise by students and graduates to support start-ups, micro and small businesses

Key Priority: At QMU, we will establish, maintain and contribute to communities and an environment within which our students our students can flourish and succeed.

Action 20: Work with the QMUSU to review and expand student sports groups, societies and volunteering opportunities with a view to enhancing campus life and working with the local community.

AGCAS Quality Standard

The AGCAS Quality Standard sets out a series of themes and principles designed to establish and maintain a consistent quality of delivery and conduct and, as such, represents good practice for higher education careers delivery.

Theme 1 - Service Leadership and Management

  • Active leadership and management in support of service and institutional priorities
  • Recruiting, equipping and developing all categories of staff to ensure high professional standards and adherence to the AGCAS Code of Ethics
  • Monitoring, evaluating and measuring the impact of our activities to ensure the continued value of our services.

Theme 2 - Stakeholder Insight and Collaboration

  • Using insights into the needs and perspectives of our students and graduates to inform the development of our services
  • Collaboration that reflects mutual understanding with academics, employers, alumni, professional organisations and other partners to enhance the provision of services for students and graduates
  • Clearly articulating our services and standards to stakeholders to promote informed engagement.

Theme 3 - Professional Expertise

  • Anticipating and adapting to trends and predictions in the world of work to ensure our services are relevant to current and future needs
  • Delivering institutionally-aligned careers education, information, advice and guidance to provide appropriate levels of support for all students and embed our services within our institution
  • Promoting the value and effectiveness of quality-assured professional careers and employability support to foster the trust of our stakeholders.

QMU Graduate Attributes

The following graduate attributes are set out in the QMU Undergraduate Prospectus 2021, and will be subject to a review, completed alongside the implementation of the Employability Strategy:

  • Confident and self-reliant with the academic, professional and personal skills for successful personal and career development.
  • Creative problem solvers who can bring together skills of enquiry, research evidence and critical analysis to investigate problems and propose solutions.
  • Positive contributors to building a just and sustainable society.
  • Adept at using many sources of information to sift, create and share knowledge.
  • Professional and ethical employees with an understanding of how other fields relate to and work with their own.
  • Lifelong learners who can reflect and build on their experiences to achieve success.

The following attributes are included as it is likely they will be considered for inclusion as part of the graduate attribute review process.

  • Able to build strong relationships with peers, employers and university staff and develop networks to enable life long career progression.
  • Entrepreneurial and Enterprise skills
  • Positive Mindset, Resilience

QMU Learning and Teaching Framework

Student centeredness is the primary principle of the Teaching and Learning Framework, and its five aspects are also applicable to the objectives outlined in the employability strategy:

  1. Ethics & Values
  2. Active learning & student responsibility
  3. Partnership & Communities
  4. Real world Life-Long Learning (LLL)
  5. Personalisation

The Scottish Government’s Fair Work Action Plan 2021 - 2025

The Scottish Government’s Fair Work Convention, is focused on increasing opportunities for individuals and to increase productivity and economic prosperity in Scotland. The Framework has five pillars:

  • Effective Voice
  • Opportunity
  • Security
  • Fulfilment
  • Respect

The Employability Strategy incorporates the themes laid out in the convention, and will contribute towards its aims by raising awareness of the nature of fair work through the themes with students, graduates and employers across the university. The Strategy will incorporate the developments of skills that will enable students and graduates to build meaningful and fulfilling careers, to advocate for fair work for themselves and others, and to be aware of key labour market challenges such as the gender pay gap, opportunities and support for Disabled People and approaches to flexible working

Current Provision of Careers and Employability support

This strategy is designed to build on and enhance the wide range of careers and employability support currently offered to students and graduates, which includes, but is not limited to, the following activities:

  • Integration of employability skills development and transition support within the design and delivery of most courses – either as specific modules or throughout the course.
  • Work based learning in the form of placements for which credit is earned.
  • Extra and co-curricular activities, such as membership of clubs and societies, overseas exchanges, volunteer and part-time work through which students can develop an understanding of their skills, strengths, values and interests.
  • One to one Careers Information, Advice and Guidance delivered by qualified Careers Advisers.
  • Workshops and webinars on specific career development subjects.
  • Employer engagement, Networking opportunities and industry insight provided through careers fairs and events.
  • A mentoring programme which matches students with employers.

Principles of the Strategy

The Employability Strategy builds on good practice currently in place, and seeks to enhance and expand the support offered to students by considering the unique environment at Queen Margaret University. Evidence for the effectiveness of new initiatives included in the strategy has come from published research, observation of effective practice at other universities and in response to rapidly changing labour market conditions. The following principles are key to contextualising the objectives outlined in this strategy.

A Shared Understanding of Career Development

In order for students, graduates, careers professionals and programme teams to work together to maximise employability outcomes for students and graduates, a shared understanding of career development is required. Developing a careers education curriculum or framework through which career management skills are defined, and career development stages are identified, would enable visibility across the University. Careers and Employability support and activity, as well as employability modules and opportunities within programmes would be aligned with the framework, with agreed content and quality standards.

Students will be able to assess their knowledge of and confidence in careers education subjects at matriculation, in a process known as careers registration, used in many universities including at the University of the West of Scotland, Heriot Watt University and the University of Strathclyde.

Visibility of a structured framework of careers education will enable students to understand what they will learn throughout their studies, and will promote autonomy and reflection on skills and strengths. A range of resources, learning opportunities and experiences will be signposted through the framework so that students can recognise the impact of extra and co-curricular activities, employer engagement and career learning. Students will be empowered to curate their own careers education throughout their time at university and after graduation. It is expected that this process will lead to earlier engagement with Careers and Employability Advisers, and employers, and earlier independent career planning which may lead to improved outcomes for students and graduates. Frameworks such as the illustrate the possibilities presented.

The implementation plan for the Employability Strategy sets out a research project which will result in the development of a proposal for the design of a framework or curriculum, during which best practice across higher education will be examined along with published research.

For context, a model developed or selected at Queen Margaret University could incorporate an accepted model such as the DOTS model developed by Law and Watts (1977), the Career Management Skills Framework developed by Skills Development Scotland (2012) or the Careers Framework developed by the Career Development Institute (2020). A development proposal is likely to outline either in-house development of a framework and the enhancement and alignment of existing resources, or adoption of a framework developed externally. The proposal is also likely to set out requirements for funding for a platform through which students and graduates can map their progress against the framework, and can access technologically driven resources, activities, events and experiences aligned to each stage.

A Shared Terminology for Work-Based Learning

The following definitions are provided to ensure shared terms of reference for the purposes of defining the aims and objectives of the strategy. The definitions do not seek to alter terminology used by individual programmes, schools or professional bodies where the following activities may be described in other ways.

Placement – A compulsory or optional credit bearing opportunity for a student to work in a professional environment related to their course of study. Placements usually take place during term time and are likely to include an assessment of a student’s performance. Placements can be arranged by the University or a student may secure a placement independently.

Internship – An optional work experience opportunity, without an assessment element or earned credits, which usually takes place in university holidays, before a course starts or after graduation. Internships can be any length of time, and whilst unpaid internships are offered, the University commits so only promoting paid internships to students and graduates to ensure equity of access. Internship opportunities may be facilitated by the university, through a programme such as the Santander Internship Fund or secured by a student independently.

Work-Based Learning – An umbrella term, referring to a range of activities which a student may undertake whilst studying and throughout their lives. These may include experiences which form part of a programme such as placements, challenge based assignments addressing realistic or current industry scenarios, visits from employers and visits to workplaces alongside other activities. Work-based learning may also refer to extra circular activities including attending careers fairs, internships, work experience or work shadowing, having a mentor, and other work based career research.

Data Driven Approach

By collecting and analysing quantitative and qualitative data about our students and graduates, their engagement with Careers and Employability services and their career journeys, we will be able to adapt and grow the services provided to ensure they are fit for purpose and respond to changing requirements, market conditions and technological developments. This approach will also enable a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of factors including gender, ethnicity, disability status or socioeconomic background on the careers of graduates. Data sources are likely to include:

  • Patterns in attendance of and subjects covered in 1:1 and group guidance sessions from the Student Central system.
  • Graduate Outcomes data
  • Evaluation of Careers and Employability services by students, graduates, programme teams and external partners

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The projects and programmes detailed in the strategy allow for targeted and enhanced support for students and graduates who face barriers relating to protected characteristics, those who are care experienced, and those from the most deprived postcode areas. A commitment to promoting equality and diversity is shared by those responsible for implementation. In addition, the activities described will enable students and graduates to becoming culturally aware and equipped to join a global workforce.

Regular Strategy Reviews to Reflect Changing Labour Market Conditions

Whilst this strategy presents an outline of the aims, objectives and required actions for the next five years, we have seen rapid and transformative changes to labour markets a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the UK’s departure from the European Union, and a range of technological developments. In order to ensure that this strategy continues to be fit for purpose, the implementation plan, when agreed, will be subject to regular re-evaluation through annual review.

Focus on Graduate Job and Internship Opportunities

In order to maximise the number of students who go on to find fulfilling graduate level employment over the next five years, a period during which the effects of Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic are likely to impact the graduate labour market, the University should consider reviewing the approach taken to creating, identifying and promoting graduate level jobs, placement and internships. A dedicated function with additional responsibility for securing and managing government and private funding for employment support programmes would increase options available for students.

Collaborative Working

The implementation of this strategy represents a refreshed approach to ensuring that staff and students across the University work together to share best practice, solve problems and address challenges in order to embed careers education within programmes.  A partnership between programme teams and Careers and Employability will enable a full leveraging of relationships with external partners, sharing opportunities such as jobs and events with students and will ensure that students are aware of the careers support that is available for them.

Employability is more than Graduate Employment

Whilst a key measure of the success of this strategy is the number of students who are in positive destination when they complete the graduate outcomes survey, it should not be forgotten that career and life success for individuals and for society can be defined in a myriad of ways.  This strategy should enable students to develop the QMU Graduate Attributes, and career management skills which enable informed proactive decision making and lead to happy lives and a positive impact on society.

Aims and Objectives

Aims of the Employability Strategy

  1. To work collaboratively as a university to create an environment in which students are able to develop academic, personal and professional skills and attributes (QMU Graduate Attributes) so that they can develop meaningful and fulfilling careers and lives.
  2. To support the University’s strategic goal to become the top modern university in Scotland for graduate level employment.

Objectives

  1. Introduce a Career Management Skills Framework that underpins the delivery of careers education across the University and enables students to assess their progress at matriculation, throughout their study, and beyond.
  2. Ensure that employability and careers education is embedded in course design and delivery across the University.
  3. Deliver careers information, advice and guidance, to enable students to make informed decisions whilst at university and to develop life long career management skills.
  4. Increase appropriate use of work based learning and placements, including support to prepare for credit bearing placements and internships, emotionally and practically, and the provision of opportunities for reflection and career planning.
  5. Develop a programme of industry insights, networking opportunities and career learning in the form of careers fairs, events and training opportunities.
  6. Identify, advertise and promote relevant jobs, including graduate schemes, graduate jobs, internships and part time work to students and recent graduates.
  7. Promote uptake of extra-curricular activities including clubs, societies, volunteering, part time work, awards and supplementary training amongst students and co-curricular activities such as optional placements and overseas exchanges in order to maximise the benefits on employability.
  8. Expand the Mentoring Programme to provide opportunities for more students to engage with a mentor.
  9. Encourage student and graduate start-ups by promoting the support offered by the Business Gateway and external initiatives, linking with the leadership of the Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Advisory Group.
  10. Increase graduate engagement with the full suite of careers and employability support services.

Ìý

Delivery Plan

1 - Framework - Introduce a Career Management Skills Framework or Careers Education Curriculum

No Action Target Date Responsible Accountable
1.1 Conduct research and develop a proposal for curriculum or framework design Jun-22 Careers and Employability University Secretary
1.2 Analyse graduate outcomes data, and data collected by programme teams to understand patterns in graduate employment, considering gender, race, ethnicity, background and course of study to identify specific support required Jun-22 Careers and Employability University Secretary
1.3 Design or select Career Management Skills Framework Sep-22 Careers and Employability University Secretary
1.4 Design or select hosting platform for skills framework Jep-22 Careers and Employability, IT, Registry University Secretary, Head of IT
1.5 Build ‘Career Registration’ process at Matriculation Jun-23 TBC University Secretary, Head of IT
1.6 Commission, or produce and curate career resources, aligned to the framework, which could include including written, video, webinar and workshops, and signposting to external resources. Jun-23 Careers and Employability University Secretary
1.7 Agree resource management process, including hosting solution, renewal and review process Jun-23 Careers and Employability University Secretary
1.8 Plan for deployment / launch of Framework including developing ongoing marketing and promotion plan Jun-23 Careers and Employability University Secretary
1.9 Launch Framework Sep-24 Careers and Employability, Programme Teams University Secretary
No Action Consulted ÌýInformed Additional Resources
1.1 Conduct research and develop a proposal for curriculum or framework design Programme Teams, Students, Graduates SEC Ìý
1.2 Analyse graduate outcomes data, and data collected by programme teams to understand patterns in graduate employment, considering gender, race, ethnicity, background and course of study to identify specific support required Student Records Data Manager, Student Support, Programme Teams SEC, EDC Access to relevant data, data shared by programme teams
1.3 Design or select Career Management Skills Framework Students, Graduates, Programme Teams, SEC Design resource or cost of framework
1.4 Design or select hosting platform for skills framework Programme Teams, Students Ìý Cost of hosting platform, or to adapt existing tools
1.5 Build ‘Career Registration’ process at Matriculation ÌýCareers and Employability, Students, Ìý Ìý
1.6 Commission, or produce and curate career resources, aligned to the framework, which could include including written, video, webinar and workshops, and signposting to external resources. Students, Graduates, Programme Teams Ìý possible funding for external resources
1.7 Agree resource management process, including hosting solution, renewal and review process Ìý Ìý Ìý
1.8 Plan for deployment / launch of Framework including developing ongoing marketing and promotion plan Students and Graduates, Programme Teams Ìý Ìý
1.9 Launch Framework Ìý

Students and Graduates

SEC

Ìý

2 In Programme Careers Support - Ensure that Employability and careers education is embedded in course design and delivery across the University

No Action Target Date Responsible Accountable
2.1 Analyse graduate outcomes data to understand patterns in graduate employment, considering gender, face, ethnicity, background and course of study Jun-22 Careers and Employability University Secretary
2.2 Agree programme of engagement with Careers & Employability for every student, in every course at every level Jun-22 Careers and Employability, Programmes Teams Deans, University Secretary
2.3

Careers and Employability are consulted in the integration of employability aims in course design process

Jun-22 Programme Teams Deans
2.4

Careers and Employability are consulted in the integration of employability aims in course validation process

Sep-23 Programme Teams Deans, University Secretary
No Action Consulted Informed Additional Resources
2.1 Analyse graduate outcomes data to understand patterns in graduate employment, considering gender, face, ethnicity, background and course of study

Student Records Data Manager, Student Support, Programme Teams

EDC Ìý
2.2 Agree programme of engagement with Careers & Employability for every student, in every course at every level

Students

Ìý Ìý
2.3 Careers and Employability are consulted in the integration of employability aims in course design process

Careers and Employability

Ìý Ìý
2.4 Careers and Employability are consulted in the integration of employability aims in course validation process

Careers and Employability

Ìý Ìý
2.5 Agree quality and content standards in alignment with the Career Management Skills Framework

Ìý

Ìý Ìý

3 High Quality Guidance - Deliver high quality 1:1 and group guidance and digital information, advice and guidance to enable students to make informed decisions whilst at university and to develop life long career management skills.

No Action Target Date Responsible Accountable
3.1 Apply for the AGCAS quality standard Dec-22 Careers and Employability Team University Secretary
3.2

Design and implement an evaluation process inline the AGCAS quality standard

Dec-22 Careers and Employability Team University Secretary
3.3

Design staff recruitment and training programmes in line withÌý the standards set by the AGCAS quality standard

Jun-23 Careers and Employability Leadership University Secretary
3.4

Establish a peer observation programme

Jun-23 Careers and Employability

University Secretary

4 Work Based Learning - ÌýIncrease appropriate use of work based learning and placements, including support to prepare for placements emotionally and practically and the provision of opportunities for reflection and career planning.

No Action Target Date Responsible Accountable
4.1 Convene a review of credit bearing placement and internship activity and best practice from across the organisation and other universities. Jun-22 Programme Teams Deans
4.2 Establish a programme of placements across all courses Jun-25 Programme Teams Deans
4.3 Ensure there areÌý appropriate quality standards for placement experience Jun-23 Programme Teams Deans, University Secretary
4.4 Extend Wellbeing workbook and Student Union training to students on all courses Jun-23

Wellbeing Service

Programme Teams

Student Unions

Head of Student Services, Student President

Ìý

Ìý

No Action Consulted Informed Additional Resources
4.1 Convene a review of credit bearing placement and internship activity and best practice from across the organisation and other universities Student Services, Employers, placement providers, Graduates SEC Convene placement review working group
4.2 Establish a programme of placements across all courses Student Services, Employers, placement providers, Graduates Ìý Ìý
4.3 Ensure there areÌý appropriate quality standards for placement experience Student Services, Employers, placement providers, Graduates Ìý Ìý
4.4 Extend Wellbeing workbook and Student Union training to students on all courses Student Services, Employers, placement providers, Graduates Ìý Ìý

5. Employer Engagement - Develop a programme of industry insights, networking opportunities and career learning in the form of careers fairs, events and training opportunities.

No Action Target Date Responsible Accountable
5.1 Develop strong ties with QMU alumni to increase employability or current students and recent graduates - including through industry insight, work experience, networking Sep-22 Alumni Team Head of Alumni and Development
5.1 Expand and strengthen relationships with employers Sep-23 ÌýCareers and Employability University Secretary
5.3 Enable visibility of relationships with employers across the university including with programme teams, careers and alumni - as well as the commercial function of the university Jun-22 Alumni Team, Careers and Employability, Programme Teams Deans, University Secretary, Head of Alumni and Development
5.4 Align employer engagement opportunities with Career Management Skills Framework Sep-24 Careers and Employability University Secretary
5.6 Track and analyse effectiveness of employer engagement activities Sep-24 Careers and Employability University Secretary
No Action Consulted Informed Additional Resources
5.1 Develop strong ties with QMU alumni to increase employability or current students and recent graduates - including through industry insight, work experience, networking Careers and Employability Ìý Ìý
5.2 Expand and strengthen relationships with employers Employers, Students, graduates Ìý Ìý
5.3 Enable visibility of relationships with employers across the university including with programme teams, careers and alumni - as well as the commercial function of the university Ìý Ìý Shared access to CRM system(s)

6. Graduate Level Jobs - Identify, advertise and promote relevant jobs including graduate schemes, graduate jobs, internships and part time work to students and recent graduates.

No Action Target Date Responsible Accountable
6.1 Conduct a review of internships, part time and graduate jobs developed for and promoted to students. Develop a proposal for job generation function and identify additional resources Dec-21 Careers and Employability University Secretary
6.2 Develop a plan to promote the benefits of professional careers in line with the AGCAS quality standard Dec-21 Careers and Employability University Secretary
6.3 Search for and promote graduate schemes and graduate level jobs Continual Careers and Employability, Programme Teams University Secretary
6.4 Develop or purchase evidence based tools designed to maximise success in graduate job assessment processes aligned with framework Jun-23 Careers and Employability University Secretary
6.5 Actively explore, develop, promote and administer application processes for paid for and funded internships Jun-22 Careers and Employability University Secretary
6.6 Develop relationships with in house and agency graduate recruiters across a range of industries and sectors Jun-22 Careers and Employability Ìý
6.7

Maximise opportunities for internships and graduate employment across the university

Jun-25 All university departments Ìý
6.8

Join the Institute of Student Employers

Jun-22 Careers and Employability University Secretary
No Action Consulted Informed Additional Resources
6.1 Conduct a review of internships, part time and graduate jobs developed for and promoted to students. Develop a proposal for job generation function and identify additional resources Students, Graduates, Employers, outside agencies Programme Teams QMU Graduate placement
6.2

Develop a plan to promote the benefits of professional careers in line with the AGCAS quality standard

Students, Graduates, Programme teams Ìý Ìý
6.3

Search for and promote graduate schemes and graduate level jobs

Ìý Ìý QMU Graduate placement
6.4

Develop or purchase evidence based tools designed to maximise success in graduate job assessment processes aligned with framework

Ìý Ìý Purchase of tools
6.5

Actively explore, develop, promote and administer application processes for paid for and funded internships

Ìý Ìý QMU Graduate placement
6.6

Develop relationships with in house and agency graduate recruiters across a range of industries and sectors

Ìý Ìý Ìý
6.7

Maximise opportunities for internships and graduate employment across the university

HR, Students, Graduates Ìý

Commitment to intern and graduate development, graduate and intern development programme?

6.8

Join the Institute of Student Employers

Ìý Ìý

Membership fees

7. Extra and co-curricular activities - Promote uptake of extra-curricular activities including clubs, societies, volunteering, part time work, awards and supplementary training amongst students and co-curricular activities such as optional placements and overseas exchanges

No Action Target Date Responsible Informed

7.1

Form Partnerships with student societies and the Students Union to deliver careers education in line with the Career Management Skills Framework Jun-22

Programme Teams

Careers and Employability

Student Union

Society Officers

Ìý

7.2

Integrate the Career Management Skills developed through extra and circular activities into the career management skills framework so that students can a)identify the benefits and b)recognise their achievements Sept -24

Programme Teams

Careers and Employability

Student Union

Society Officers

Ìý

7.3

Develop and promote case studies of students who have used extra co-circular activities as a lever in their career journey Jun-23

Programme Teams

Careers and Employability

Student Union

Society Officers

Students, Graduates

Ìý

Ìý

8. Mentoring - Expand the Mentoring Programme to provide opportunities for more students to engage with a mentor

No Action Target Date Responsible Accountable
8.1 Recruit mentors from the alumni network Sept-22 ÌýAlumni Teams Ìý
8.2 University employees to be encouraged and supported to mentor students

Sept-22

All university departments Ìý
8.3 Mentoring to be a creditable activity within courses

Ìý

Ìý Ìý
8.4 Align the mentoring programme with programme curriculums, providing opportunities for students to connect with mentors working in functions or specialisms aligned with their courses

Sept-25

Programme Teams, HR, Leadership Ìý
8.5 Establish evaluation of mentoring scheme, reviewing outcomes for students and employers over time

Sept-23

Programme Leaders

Employability Adviser

Ìý

Ìý

Ìý

Ìý

No Action Consulted Informed Additional Resources
8.1 Recruit mentors from the alumni network Ìý Ìý Ìý
8.2 University employees to be encouraged and supported to mentor students Students, Graduates Ìý Mentoring time for all university employees
8.3 Mentoring to be a creditable activity within courses Students, Graduates Ìý Project Team
8.4 Align the mentoring programme with programme curriculums, providing opportunities for students to connect with mentors working in functions or specialisms aligned with their courses Students, Graduates Ìý Project Team
8.5 Establish evaluation of mentoring scheme, reviewing outcomes for students and employers over time Students, Graduates, Employers Ìý

Ìý

Ìý

Ìý

9. Entrepreneurship - Encourage student and graduate start-ups by promoting the support offered by Business Gateway and external initiatives, linking with the leadership of the Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Advisory Group

No Action Target Date Responsible Accountable
9.1

Develop a collaborative programme of events and in-programme content

Jun-22

Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Advisory Group

Careers and Employability

Programme Teams

Ìý
9.2

Track and Analyse referrals to and from Careers and Programme teams to Business Gateway

Jun-22

Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Advisory Group, Careers and Employability

Ìý
9.3

Develop relationships with self-employed people, contractors and freelance workers who can share experiences as work as mentors

Jun-23

Careers and Employability

University Secretary

Ìý

Ìý

10. Graduate Engagement - Increase graduate engagement with the full suite of careers and employability support services to ensure graduate transition to positive destinations.

No Action Target Date Responsible Accountable Consulted
10.1 Plan and deliver tailored and targeted graduate services responding to individual needs and labour market conditions 21/22 Careers and Employability University Secretary Students, Graduates, Employers
10.2 Ensure graduate access to tools aligned with career management skills framework 23/24

Careers and Employability Alumni

University Secretary

Students, Graduates, Employers

References

CAREER DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE, 2020. Framework for Careers, Employability and Enterprise Education. Stourbridge: Career Development Institute

Law, B, & Watts, A,1977. Schools, Careers and Community - A study of some approaches to careers education in schools. London: Church Information Office.

QMU, 2015. Student Experience Strategy 2015–2020. Edinburgh: QMU.

QMU, 2018. Student Partnership Agreement. Edinburgh: QMU

QMU, 2019. Queen Margaret University Refreshed Strategy. Edinburgh: QMU.

QMU, 2019a. Queen Margaret University Outcome Agreement 2019-2020 Update. Edinburgh: QMU.

QMU, 2019b. Queen Margaret University Outcome Agreement 2020-2023 – Draft Version. Edinburgh: QMU.

QMU, 2020, Queen Margaret University Undergraduate Prospectus 2021

RAE, D., 2007. Connecting enterprise and graduate employability: Challenges to the higher education culture and curriculum? Education + Training, vol. 49, no. 8, pp. 605-619.

SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT, 2021.Fair Work Action Plan 2021-2025, Edinburgh: Scottish Government

SKILLS DEVELOPMENT SCOTLAND, 2012. Career Management Skills Framework for Scotland. Edinburgh: Skills Development Scotland.

UKCES, 2009. The Employability Challenge. London: UKCES.

YORKE, M., 2004. Employability in higher education: what it is – what it is not. York: Learning and Teaching Support Network.