A new employability initiative that will develop “the graduates of the future” was launched today at a special event in Hong Kong in front more than 300 DMU students and nearly 150 alumni.
Looking to move beyond the established approach of providing 6- or 12-month placements, #DMUworks will take a new approach to employability by providing a wide range of more flexible options and by drawing on networks of DMU alumni to provide mentoring, shadowing, training and other opportunities for students.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Andy Collop told guests in Kowloon, Hong Kong, how the new initiative will “ensure that every one of our students leaves university with the highest possible exit velocity and, with it, the best possible chance to get the job they want, and deserve.”
He continued: “What better place to announce our exciting new employability initiative than here in Hong Kong alongside the GREAT Festival of Innovation? What better time to look to the future and unlock innovative ideas, technologies, markets and opportunities than now, surrounded by so many students and alumni of DMU?”
More than 350 DMU students are in Hong Kong to take part in a large-scale #DMUglobal mass trip, undertaking study activities relevant to their degrees, enhancing their learning and raising their cultural awareness. They were joined at the launch event by DMU alumni based in Hong Kong many of who have pledged to support #DMUworks.
The GREAT Festival of Innovation is the Government’s premier trade exhibition, demonstrating the best of UK innovation and creativity. DMU is the lead education partner of the GREAT campaign and is showcasing the work of its students and staff around the themes of Work, Live, Learn and Play at the four-day festival.
Speaking at the launch event, Ian Blatchford, Director of the Science Museum Group and Chair of DMU’s Board of Governors, offered the full support of DMU’s governing body to the new initiative, saying it “answers a clear need and desire for real-world work experience on the part of our students.”
He welcomed its focus on engaging businesses: “Their voice will be important and I welcome the renewed commitment to genuine partnership in this area.”
He continued: “In my capacity as the Director of the Science Museum Group, I understand very well how employers are attracted by graduates with existing industry experience - those with networks and contacts, and with something extra that will help them to stand out and represent their organisations with confidence, knowledge and skill. #DMUworks will help to provide this.”
Keith Moody, principal consultant at design firm Gengemoody was at the event, and graduated from DMU's MA Information and Graphic Design course in 1993.
He said: "DMU was a fantastic experience for me and to be able to reconnect with the university at this event has been great fun.
"I would never have believed that I would be giving students advice about their careers and it's been so nice to see them all enthused about working abroad."
Daniel Czyzak, who studies Global Leadership and Management BSc, has been visiting mainland China as part of the #DMUworks academic trip, meeting companies building underwater drones and electric cars.
He said that thanks to his #DMUglobal experiences he has been able to secure an internship with business intelligence firm SAP, in London.
He said: "Employers are really interested in the experiences that I have been able to have thanks to #DMUglobal.
"Being able to talk about studying, meeting and working with companies overseas gives you the edge and the experience they want."
Posted on Thursday 22 March 2018