Successful Students: Results of employer focus group
Successful students are those who understand themselves, have industry knowledge, embrace opportunities and are willing to learn - a view expressed by employers who recently attended a focus group hosted by Careers and Employment.
Many employers believed that universities should be preparing students for employment from the first year of their course - third year is too late. Preparation, should not just be confined to resume workshops and interviews, but should actually engage students early in their course to develop a career focus. Suggested methods of assisting students to explore career options included: increased engagement with industry through networking events, guest speakers in lectures and work experience through internships. Some employers emphasised the need for a more practical approach with regard to written communication tasks within specific academic curricula, such as business writing or writing project briefs. Interestingly, academic results were not cited as the main consideration during the recruitment process indicating that employers are taking a more holistic approach when selecting future employees.
So what does an impressive candidate look like?
- Flexible in their thinking together with an enquiring mind
- Committed to taking opportunities such as industry-based learning and part-time employment
- Willing to grow and participate within an organisation or industry
- Mature and have an understanding of the work environment
- Demonstrates a positive attitude and initiative
- A team player with good communication skills
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Communication: A key graduate attribute |
Willingness and passion: Highly sought by employers |
And what is of concern?
- Inappropriate professional behaviour such as tardiness and dressing too casually
- Inappropriate Facebook profiles
- Inability to articulate why they want to work in a particular industry
- Poor writing skills particularly with spelling and grammar
- Weak interpersonal skills
- An entitlement mentality - too 'self' focused rather than focusing on how they can add value to an organisation
Employers recognise the important role that lecturers can play in promoting employment opportunities to students and have suggested a more collaborative role between faculties, employers and Careers and Employment to facilitate this process. Holding career events for specific faculties where students can network with employers and become more informed about organisations is certainly on the right track to getting our students career ready.
Careers and Employment would like to express their thanks to the following employers and agencies who agreed to be part of the employer focus group:
Coachwood Computer RecruitmentDepartment of Human Services
Department of Sustainability and Environment
Dun and Bradstreet
Federation of Community Legal Services
GM Holden
KPMG
Parks Victoria
Maria Sponza
Careers Educator, Careers and Employment
Deakin University
