Employers' Forum gives recruiters the chance to have their say on University curriculum

The University of Leicester is seeking to engage employers at an early stage in student development, by giving recruiters the chance to shape their involvement and impact on the curriculum.

The Department of Mathematics recently held an Employers' Forum where business leaders and graduate recruiters were able to meet with senior academics from the department, and discuss what skills they sought in graduates and how the world of business could help develop and hone these skills in students. 

The new initiative comes in response to an increasingly competitive graduate jobs market, and the need to help students develop employability skills alongside academic achievements.

Professor Jeremy Levesley, Head of Department said:

“This was a fantastic event. It was brilliant to see the enthusiasm the employers have for helping the personal and career development of our students. The Mathematics Department is very keen to build on the contacts we have made, so that our students get a much richer experience of the world of work, from the moment they enter the University to the time they graduate.”

This initiative is one of a number of new employer-led programmes taking place at the University of Leicester, and follows the recent announcement that the University has introduced a new Award for Industry Awareness through which students can receive specialised training from graduate recruiters at clothing retailer NEXT.

Students receive on the job training at NEXT headquarters in Enderby, Leicester, taking part in business case studies and mock interviews by internal graduate recruiters.

The University of Leicester Careers Service offers a wide range of engagement activities to enhance the employability skills and prospects of students. These include careers fairs, skills workshops, The Leicester Award and a diverse range of activities based within the academic Colleges.

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Note to newsdesk:

For more information about The University of Leicester Careers Service or employer engagement activities contact Andrew Jackson, Employer Liaison Team: 0116 252 5117 or email employers@le.ac.uk 

For more information about The Department of Mathematics please contact Jeremy Levesley, Head of Department: 0116 252 3897 or email jl1@le.ac.uk