Developing Graduate Employability Support in Scotland
Publication Date: 17 Sep 2020
Project summary
Now, more than ever, there is a need for practical and accessible support for finalists and graduates taking their next steps in transitioning out of study.
Launched in 2018-19, our Developing Graduate Employability Support in Scotland collaborative cluster sought a critical understanding of what creates and impacts on a successful transition for new graduates and the role that Careers Services can or should play.
Led by the University of Dundee, this collaborative cluster of five Scottish Careers Services went on to create Just Graduated? What Next?, a free massive open online course (MOOC) designed to help students and graduates move closer to career success.
The collaborative cluster’s final report is now available, summarising all project activity and the development and evaluation of the MOOC.
Collaborative
cluster
Just Graduated? What Next?
Life beyond university can be full of opportunity, but it may feel more challenging in the current climate. Covering a broad range of topics, this free online course focuses on short tasks and positive action, helping you to answer that all important question - What next?
Running through the OpenLearn create platform, this MOOC will support you to:
- understand and articulate your key skills, attributes and unique selling points
- reflect on experiences which have shaped your life and career and learn how to articulate them
- identify relevant sources of labour market information and intelligence, and learn tools and techniques which can help you match what you have to offer with these opportunities
- begin or continue career planning activities, which you will continue to use and develop throughout your career
- engage in discussion with your peers to share experiences.
Project development
The project team comprised members from five Scottish higher education institutions:
- University of Dundee
- University of Edinburgh
- Glasgow Caledonian University
- Queen Margaret University
- Stirling University
During phase one of the project, the team utilised a variety of methods to capture and evaluate data, identify the key graduate groups who would benefit from support, review current and past pilot initiatives, and gain a better understanding of the perspectives
of students and graduates.
This resulted in the production of an Interim Report, summarising the team’s research methodology and recommendations for phase two, and an accompanying Interim Framework for Designing Graduate Support, featuring detailed considerations and prompts for institutions to incorporate when developing their own graduate support programmes.
Developing Graduate Employability Support in Scotland: Interim report
Publication Date: 17 Dec 2019
Developing Graduate Employability Support in Scotland: Interim Framework for Designing Graduate Support
Publication Date: 17 Dec 2019
Phase two then focused more directly on the development and evaluation of the MOOC, which was first tested in February-March 2020 with approximately 100 participants. In June 2020, a second launch saw over 200 participants successfully engage with the free online course.