Enhancing Employability for Physics Graduates

In recent years, there has been a focus on ensuring that students have the full range of skills and attributes that they will need for a successful future after graduation. This presentation will introduce a range of interventions that have been developed by the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Leeds, including the following:

• Through the National HE STEM Programme, the School introduced a Group Industrial Project module in year 3. Drawing upon the School's Industrial Advisory Board members to create live, yearlong projects for the students to work on with sponsoring companies. The student experiences and wider benefits will be discussed.
• Two years ago, the School became a partner in the White Rose Industrial PhysicsAcademy. This consortium of northern English universities provides opportunities for students to engage with employers through placements, webinars, site visits and the UK's largest Physics Careers Fair.
• In 2015, the Faculty sponsored a PhD studentship under my supervision on "The Paradox of Developing Employability in Physics Undergraduates". The emerging findings from this research will be presented, along with the implications for career development for physics students.

All students and staff welcome.