University College Isle of Man (UCM) held its annual Careers Week offering students a number of opportunities to interact with representatives from various sectors and workplaces on the Island.
Jo Pretty, Principal of UCM explained that Careers Week is just one of many ways that the Collge supports its students in preparing for their next step, “We are always keen to remind our students that UCM is not a destination, but part of the journey and whether our students want to move on to further study or work, we always ensure they have access to the necessary information, advice and guidance to get them to where they want to go”.
UCM’s Careers Week was coordinated to coincide with the National Careers Week initiaitive and, like its UK equivalent, aimed to introduce and familiarise students with the help available to plan their future. During the week, students attended a number of workshops which advised on preparatory activities such as CV writing and interview skills, as well as tutorials and presentations which gave them an understanding of different jobs and roles.
Individual organisations also attended to raise awareness and directly recruit students. The Royal Navy was a favourite - three students’ applications forms have already been accepted. Representatives from Premier Inn took over the College’s foyer and were keen to share with students their experience of the hospitality sector and to let them know about the number of roles and opportunities available to them now that the first Premier Inn is opening on the Island.
Kate Bergquist, UCM’s Employability & Skills Co-ordinator organised the week, “We are so pleased that so many of our students were able to join in and we’re very grateful to all the orgnisations and professionals who helped make Careers Week such a success”.