PA 36/11
Not content with its already impressive employability record, The University of Nottingham is to hold a fashion show to illustrate how students should present themselves in a variety of professional environments.
According to independent research, Nottingham is one of the top 10 universities most often targeted by Britain’s leading graduate employers¹.
Over 2,000 employers currently approach the University every year with a view to recruiting its students. Consequently – and owing to a reputation for excellence – more than 90 per cent of Nottingham’s postgraduates enter employment, voluntary work or further study during the first six months after graduation².
However, staff working in the Centre for Career Development are determined to improve these figures further, with the fashion show just one of a number initiatives designed to help students enter employment.
Samantha Longe-Thomas, Events and Vacancies Team Leader at the Centre, explained: “The idea is to host a ‘fun’ but relevant event, which will add to our ‘employability’ drive. With this new event the centre can offer expert advice on everything from preparing for interviews to writing a CV.
“The fashion show will emphasise the importance of having a professional appearance in the workplace, wherever that may be. Students will also learn how to present themselves when meeting employers on campus, at our recruitment fairs, employer presentations and one to one sessions, as well as during the recruitment process.”
The event will be compared by Students Union Activities Officer Douggie McMeekin and feature clothes from Austin Reed, Marks & Spencer, TM Lewin and Primark. Employers including: Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Beiersdorf and Enterprise Rent a Car will also be present.
Kate Wigglesworth, Talent Acquisition/Training and Development Manager at Enterprise Rent-a-car, has backed the event and emphasised the importance of graduates being well presented.
She said: “When interviewing and/or working with University of Nottingham graduates we experience a high level of presentation, preparation and commercial awareness. It is clear that these students understand the importance of strong communication and leadership skills with the ability to display a strong work ethic.
“First impressions count – this is not a new concept but one that is increasingly important in an individual’s ability to achieve a competitive advantage. This includes what you wear, body language and how you present yourself.”
To find out more about the fashion show, please visit
http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/careers/students/events/ourevents/fashionshow.aspx.
¹ The Graduate Market in 2010, High Fliers
² Data: 2008/09 Known destinations of full time graduates
—Ends— Notes to editors: The University of Nottingham, described by The Times as “the nearest Britain has to a truly global university”, has award-winning campuses in the United Kingdom, China and Malaysia. It is ranked in the UK's Top 10 and the World's Top 75 universities by the Shanghai Jiao Tong (SJTU) and the QS World University Rankings.
The University is committed to providing a truly international education for its 39,000 students, producing world-leading research and benefiting the communities around its campuses in the UK and Asia.
More than 90 per cent of research at The University of Nottingham is of international quality, according to the most recent Research Assessment Exercise, with almost 60 per cent of all research defined as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’. Research Fortnight analysis of RAE 2008 ranked the University 7th in the UK by research power.
The University’s vision is to be recognised around the world for its signature contributions, especially in global food security, energy & sustainability, and health.
More news from the University at:
www.nottingham.ac.uk/news.
Facts and figures at:
www.nottingham.ac.uk/about/facts/factsandfigures.aspx.
The Centre for Career Development offers a range of services including advice sessions, employer events, recruitment fairs and skills workshops. Once a student enrols at the university they have access to the Centre for life. Find out more at
www.nottingham.ac.uk/careers.