UEL recognised for employability strategy

In its submission, the University outlined its holistic approach to its Careers First mission, ensuring that every student from day one can be undertaking meaningful progress to a rewarding and satisfying career once they graduate.

UEL's submission to judges stated, "Our 10-year Vision 2028 strategy places careers at the centre of everything we do. This is driven from the top down and the bottom up, enabling our Graduate Employability Action Plan to be created and delivered as an institution wide initiative."

At the heart of the initiative is the Mental Wealth & Professional Fitness programme which is also an award-winner for the University, having scooped the Pearson HE Innovate Award in December 2022 for “most innovate approach to developing employability skills”.

The Mental Wealth programme is supported by a range of platforms and activities including:

• The ground-breaking Diversity of Thought employer partnership programme which supports social mobility and levelling up.
• A Funded Internship Scheme provides flexible paid internships within UEL and externally. 
• The BACK:ED entrepreneurship grants programme offering funding, support and mentoring to help students test, start and develop their business ideas.
• East London Talent, a pioneering freelance marketplace platform and online retail store supports students to sell their skills and products.
• Career Zone, the one-stop portal for students to access support, monitor their progress, find jobs and opportunities and book places on bootcamps, one to one sessions and employer engagement activities.  
• Talent Hack alternative recruitment events which allow students to shine and employers to identify talent. 

Cherise Basslian, director of careers and student enterprise, said, "We're delighted to be nominated again for the award that we won last year.

"Our employability strategy is underpinned by our award-winning Mental Wealth & Professional Fitness programme, together with the institution wide graduate employability framework. This second nomination reflects our commitment to the Careers First agenda. 

"We want to ensure every student has the best possible chance to create for themselves a rewarding career. This includes support for freelancing and portfolio careers or help with launching a successful start-up.

"The impact of our 'Enterprise For All' strategy is demonstrated by a 515 per cent increase in graduate start-ups between 2018/19 and 2021/22."

The awards take place at JW Marriott Grosvenor House, London on 23 March 2023 where 29 trophies will be presented.