Business students from the University of Central England are gearing up to finding an industrial placement thanks to a purpose designed business
workshop and assessment centre.
Over 100 second year BA (Hons) Business Studies, Marketing and International Business Management undergraduates, who are currently seeking a 46-week industrial placement commencing this summer, have been attending an assessment centre staffed by graduate and placement employers such as
Carillion, First Leisure and Pertemps.
The assessment centre is designed to give the students the opportunity to experience a range of selection activities in a formal, continually observed environment, as preparation for similar employer events they may be invited
to attend. Students undertake interviews, aptitude tests, individual presentations, planning and group discussion exercises. Written feedback is given to the students on their performance in each activity to allow remedial action where necessary.
Nicky White, a second year business student who attended the assessment centre said: The assessment centre is a great opportunity to help prepare us for important interviews, putting us in a better position over other
students.
Matt Warburton, another second year business studies student, added: It's great that real employers take part in the assessment centre, providing a realistic interview environment. It is also important that we get
constructive feedback to help us improve our business skills for the future.
Gayle Atkinson De Munoz, a Human Resources Officer from Exel, one of the companies who took part in the assessment centre praised UCE for the initiative. I think days like this are an excellent idea, and other universities should organise them. It is particularly invaluable to those
students who have never had dealings with real employers before. When we take on graduates and placement students we hold assessment centres, therefore the more experience a student can get at attending these events, the better position they are for securing employment.
Kim Jones, Placements Manager at UCE, said: We work actively with students through the assessment centre to ensure they are familiar with the latest recruitment and selection techniques and can market themselves as
effectively as possible.
These workshops help our students to communicate effectively at all levels, develop interpersonal skills, and use initiative to solve problems effectively.
We guide the students through the exercises and give them individual feedback, giving them tips on how to improve their performance.
Here at UCE we have on average 100 students going out on placement each year, and this figure look set to rise from next year as all of our Business School courses now include an optional placement year.
We place our students in a range of companies, from SME's, the public sector, and blue-chip multi-nationals such as Marks and Spencer, Corus Steel, Birmingham Midshires and National Express. What's more, a number of our placement students go back to their placement employer after finishing
their course.
With increasing numbers of young people going on to university today, finding a job, both for a placement year, and upon graduation, is becoming increasingly competitive. This assessment centre helps to put our students
one step ahead.
Workshop helps students gear up for job search.
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