This summer, the Ulster University Employability and Careers team launched the UnlockU programme to support the graduating class of 2020. Recognising the challenging labour market these graduates are set to enter, the UnLockU programme aimed to ensure that they felt equipped and confident to take positive steps towards their future.
UnlockU provided industry-focused networking opportunities, tailored mini courses for skills development and one to one professional careers guidance.
During the programme over 13 sector-focused networking events were organised, each consisting of a panel of industry guest speakers, several of whom were Ulster University alumni. A range of subject-specific webinars took place, covering subjects such as
- LinkedIn for graduates
- How to create a CV
- Interview tips
- Presentation skills
Ulster University alumna, Carole Anne Clarke, Chief Experience Officer of I am Here delivered an interactive session entitled ‘Understanding my Resilience’. Fellow graduate, Eimer Boyle, a Change Coach based in Sydney, hosted a webinar on ‘The Inside and Outside Strategies of Networking’ where she spoke to students about how to prepare for attending industry networking events.
The graduates were highly engaged with the initiative, with a total of 220 registered to take part and keen to avail of the specialist one-to-one careers coaching and support on offer.
Kirsty Kirkpatrick, a Business Studies graduate commented put her newly learned skills into practice on LinkedIn by commenting:
“What a great feeling to be back in front of the laptop, for such an insightful and thought-provoking webinar on networking, provided by Ulster University’s Employability team as part of the UnLockU programme. I’m now using what I learnt to start a new month with a fresh mindset on what I want to achieve and how.”
Gail Hamilton, Ulster University Employability Adviser said:
“The support from employers and Ulster alumni has been invaluable. They have been so willing to get involved to support the Class of 2020 and have enabled us to provide industry insight and connections for our students.”
Thank-you to all our alumni who got involved in the UnLockU programme.