Media experts Garry Owen and Ceri Wyn Richards recently shared tips with undergraduate students at Glamorgan Business School due to start work placements.
The students have decided to take a year out in industry to improve their employability prospects on graduating. Whilst earning a salary, they will have the opportunity to relate knowledge and skills gained in university directly to the workplace, improving their chances of a higher degree classification.
Leanna Evans, 21, from Aberdare, an Accounting and Finance student said: “As a shy person it’s nice to have hints and tips about how to be yourself and not to show a lack of confidence to a new employer. Whilst I’m really looking forward to going to work for my placement company for a year, I’m anxious about how I’ll come across and Garry really helped me think about how to create a positive impression.”
The Glamorgan Business School has developed an excellent reputation for placing students in a variety of organisations. Consequently the number of students placed by the School’s Employability Unit is steadily increasing, particularly in the private sector.
Julie Gould, the Glamorgan Business School’s Employability Officer, said “Our students, particularly those studying purchasing and accounting, always seem to be in high demand. Employers who are pleased with our service and high calibre students repeatedly return year after year to take placement students, with increasing popularity in other organisations. Starting a new job can be daunting, so it was beneficial to have Gary and Ceri share their experiences with students. Students are often nervous and unsure as to whether they have the skills needed to do the job at the beginning. However, by the time the year is up, they have very positive experiences and strongly endorse this aspect of their course.”
