Employability is not the same as securing a job, but rather it implies the capacity of students to do a self assessment, to be aware of their abilities, likes, dislikes and shortcomings. As a result an individual could function satisfactory in a work environment but also will develop the ability to set new goals for themselves, and grow both on a personal and a professional level.
The ultimate purpose of the employability workshops and one-one meetings is to help our students fully grasp the employability concept and more specifically their efficacy beliefs and meta-cognition. Emphasis is placed on their set resources and strengths, rather than their limitations and deficiencies. It is important to help shift the focus from "I am not sure I have what it takes to get a job", "I don't know anything", to "let's gain self awareness, let's focus on goal setting". Let's concentrate on all these things, all the skills that make me unique, "let me focus on how I can set attainable goals for my future".
I use the following exercises which aim at encouraging students and let them draw solutions from their own point of references. The exercises are written on second person as they were given to the students.
Interests Questions Exercise: These exercises used to enhance understanding of interests, and how these can become their main strengths when it comes to employability.
Skills Exercise: Write three short stories about experiences in your life that were enjoyable and fulfilling, but also presented an obstacle which you had to overcome or resolve.
Goal orientation: It is crucial for students to set goals they can achieve. This way they don't get overwhelmed but rather feel proud of their accomplishments. They goal is to have them set 5 goals for the year using the SMART principle (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-sensitive).
Deciding on what path to follow: With this more positive and onward-looking exercise, students are encouraged to mobilize their personal resources and potential in finding a solution regarding their own employability. They are urged to write a story about 2050; their own story.
Here is how it goes:"It's 2050! You have decided to retire after a very successful career.
A newspaper want to do a feature article about you that describes life path and how you got to where you are today. The story would describe how your success the way you define it. It includes skills, accomplishments, interests and values."
These reflective activities aimed at helping students identify theirs strengths and to align their academic, personal and professional goals. Further than this, students are encouraged to keep track of the skills and competencies acquired throughout their studies both in and out of class. So far feedback from students who have engaged has been very positive. Most found the activities and the reflection process useful and fun. They understood the nature and benefits of them and how it links with the processes of building their CV and set goals for the future.
Maria Matiaki
Director of Student Affairs and Career Planning
The ultimate purpose of the employability workshops and one-one meetings is to help our students fully grasp the employability concept and more specifically their efficacy beliefs and meta-cognition. Emphasis is placed on their set resources and strengths, rather than their limitations and deficiencies. It is important to help shift the focus from "I am not sure I have what it takes to get a job", "I don't know anything", to "let's gain self awareness, let's focus on goal setting". Let's concentrate on all these things, all the skills that make me unique, "let me focus on how I can set attainable goals for my future".
I use the following exercises which aim at encouraging students and let them draw solutions from their own point of references. The exercises are written on second person as they were given to the students.
Interests Questions Exercise: These exercises used to enhance understanding of interests, and how these can become their main strengths when it comes to employability.
- What are your favourite classes? Why?
- What activities or hobbies do you like to do in your spare time?
- What are the most interesting jobs you can think of?
- If you were a reporter, what kinds of stories would you write?
- What kinds of information do you find most fascinating?
- What would you do if there was nothing to hold you back?
Skills Exercise: Write three short stories about experiences in your life that were enjoyable and fulfilling, but also presented an obstacle which you had to overcome or resolve.
- Include a description of the experience, problem(s)
- Other people who were involved
- How you interacted with them
- What occurred from beginning to end
- Your role in it
- A description of the end result.
Goal orientation: It is crucial for students to set goals they can achieve. This way they don't get overwhelmed but rather feel proud of their accomplishments. They goal is to have them set 5 goals for the year using the SMART principle (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-sensitive).
Deciding on what path to follow: With this more positive and onward-looking exercise, students are encouraged to mobilize their personal resources and potential in finding a solution regarding their own employability. They are urged to write a story about 2050; their own story.
Here is how it goes:"It's 2050! You have decided to retire after a very successful career.
A newspaper want to do a feature article about you that describes life path and how you got to where you are today. The story would describe how your success the way you define it. It includes skills, accomplishments, interests and values."
These reflective activities aimed at helping students identify theirs strengths and to align their academic, personal and professional goals. Further than this, students are encouraged to keep track of the skills and competencies acquired throughout their studies both in and out of class. So far feedback from students who have engaged has been very positive. Most found the activities and the reflection process useful and fun. They understood the nature and benefits of them and how it links with the processes of building their CV and set goals for the future.
Maria Matiaki
Director of Student Affairs and Career Planning
No comments:
Post a Comment