Thu 15th December, 2011
Some 40 students took part in a recent Employability Day, jointly hosted by the University’s Division of Tourism and Leisure and the Careers and Employment Service.
This was the second annual Employability Day held at the Division with student numbers significantly up on last year. The day was packed with workshops and presentations for students, including preparing for work placements, writing the perfect CV and career options upon graduations.
Students also gained valuable insight from guest speakers from business, including Bedfordshire and Luton Chamber of Commerce, Carlson Wagonlit Travel and BI Worldwide.
Dr Petia Petrova, Lecturer in Tourism Management and Employability Fellow for the Division, said: “The Employability Day had a mix of activities and was a great success. Its main aim was to provide students with information and advice for their career development and to network with local employers.”
“Four of the Division’s students (Sascha List, Gintare Nikolajevaite, Bonny Baby and Paul Wilford) also delivered presentations to their peers about work placement and graduate and summer internships experiences.”
“The involvement from industry taking part was extremely valuable as local business interest in our students and graduates increases. The University is now in discussions with two of the day’s guest presenters to provide work experience opportunities for our students.”
Sunil Kalyan, Business and Hospitality Manager at the Bedford Corn Exchange said: “Employability Day is a great initiative and I enjoyed the opportunity to present to the students. Looking forward, Bedford Corn Exchange is keen to support Bedfordshire students and we are working with the University to organise short-term student work experience placements.”
Student feedback was also very positive. Tourism and Leisure Student Edmunds Aoko said: The event was very informative and full of positive themes. Sascha List added: “I really enjoyed the workshop sessions and think its great that the University arranges events like this for us.”
Another Employability Day is planned to take place on 1 February 2012. Five guest speakers are already confirmed; including local employers and alumni from the University’s Division of Tourism and Leisure.
Petia concluded “This event demonstrates the benefits of close work between Careers and departments. These days would have never been possible without the help of Christine Smith (Employability Advisor) and all hard work of Natalie Sibley one of our own Masters students.”
The Careers and Employment Service has further information about student recruitment opportunities.
Latest news» 2011» December» Employability Day is a winner for Tourism and Leisure students
