Employability prospective students
Sociology and Innovation Studies at UEL
The fascination of sociology lies in the fact that its perspective makes us see in a new light the very world in which we have lived all our lives. (Peter L Berger)
Employers value graduates who demonstrate an innovative approach, creative thinking, bring fresh knowledge and challenge assumptions (Confederation of British Industry)
Sociology is concerned with the systematic study of the social world (health, education, poverty, consumption, media, social identities). Sociologists not only ask why things are the way they are but also think about possible alternatives. In other words, they are interested in finding solutions to social problems and injustices.
Innovation Studies draws on theories of science, technology and society and is particularly interested in the interaction between information and communication technologies, users and wider society.
This means that sociology and innovation studies students are ideally placed to develop key communication, analytical and IT skills valued by employers across a range of sectors.
Furthermore, because many staff at UEL are research active they are able to use the most up-to-date information and ideas to inform their teaching. For instance, staff members in sociology and innovation studies are currently conducting research into issues around transport and sustainability, information technologies, community cohesion and multiculturalism, housing policy, social inequality, education and the innovative use of technology. By asking our students to critically think about these and other issues of public concern, we encourage them to develop knowledge, skills and experience that will enable them to flourish in a competitive labour market.
Our achievements have been recognised by The Complete University Guide, which now places UEL as the top modern university for Sociology in London.
Employability
In 2009, the CBI, the leading representative of businesses in the UK, published a report entitled ‘Future Fit: Preparing Graduates for the World of Work. The report identified a number of key employability skills that prospective employees should have to benefit their future career prospects, their employer and the wider economy. Further information and to read the report click here
These key skills included;
Self-management – readiness to accept responsibility, flexibility, resilience, self-starting, appropriate assertiveness, time management, readiness to improve own performance based on feedback/reflective learning.
Teamworking – respecting others, co-operating, negotiating/persuading, contributing to discussions, and awareness of interdependence with others.
Problem solving – analysing facts and situations and applying creative thinking to develop appropriate solutions.
Communication and literacy – application of literacy, ability to produce clear, structured written work and oral literacy - including listening and questioning.
Application of numeracy – manipulation of numbers, general mathematical awareness and its application in practical contexts (e.g. measuring, weighing, estimating and applying formulae).
Application of information technology – basic IT skills, including familiarity with word processing, spreadsheets, file management, use of extensive databases and e=books for research and use of internet search engines.
Underpinning all these attributes, the key foundation, must be a positive attitude: a 'can-do' approach, a readiness to take part and contribute, openness to new ideas and a drive to make these happen. Employers also value entrepreneurial graduates who demonstrate an innovative approach, creative thinking, bring fresh knowledge and challenge assumptions.
Employability skills
Students studying sociology / innovation studies at UEL develop these key skills through a range of both self-directed and group tasks and assessments. Students are required to work independently throughout their time at UEL, analysing the work of key theorists and assessing different approaches to defining and then tackling social problems. In doing so, students are encouraged to think creatively, challenge existing ways of doing thing and enhance their critical reasoning. In the final year, students conduct a self-managed research project, which involves a comprehensive review of the literature on their topic of choice, collecting and analysing relevant data and then producing a substantive piece of written work. This large independent piece of students work will represent the student´s skills and abilities to potential employers. In addition, our students at UEL often work as members of small groups, enabling them to develop their teamwork, communication and problems-solving skills. All of these projects involve the use of IT, whether in using the internet to research a particular topic, employing specialist programmes to conduct data analyses or producing assessed essays, presentations and reports.
What do our graduates do?
Sociology and Innovation Studies graduates often pursue careers in the following areas;
Education Medical and health services
Information Technology Market/social research
Criminal justice Social Care/Work
Charities/voluntary sector Marketing/advertising
Government/civil service Broadcast media
Youth services Retail sector
Consultancy Human resources
See also; British Sociological Association website
www.britsoc.co.uk/WhatIsSociology/what+do+sociologists+do.htm
www.britsoc.co.uk/WhatIsSociology/opportunities+for+sociologists.htm
UEL graduates
The 2008 - 2009 Destination of Leavers of Higher Education Survey (DLHE) reported that 78% of all UEL graduates find work or are in further study six months after leaving UEL, the vast majority of them in graduate level jobs.
The UEL Employability Team
The UEL Employability Team offers a range of services and initiatives at Stratford and Docklands to help undergraduate and post graduate students develop the key employability skills that employers seek in today's competitive market. We work with employers across the sectors to offer programmes that are employer endorsed and student focused.
The team can offer you advice and information on the following; CV, writing applications, job searches, internships, volunteering.
Advice on CVs, applications, interview techniques
UEL Going Global Bursary
‘The UEL Going Global Bursary enables you to apply for funding to undertake short overseas travel periods as part of your course, similar to a field-trip. or short work placement. A short overseas study visit may be an ideal way for you to integrate an international dimension to your degree. Experience of studying/working in an international setting is an increasingly desired attribute that employers look for in job applicants, and your CV will look great when it includes an overseas academic element’
