Employability Society News Issue 2 Dec 2015

UNIVERSITY OF EAST LONDON

Season’s Greetings Members! I’ll bet when you began this semester you did not realise how quickly the end of the semester would arrive! I know there are some assignments still to submit through the break and for some of us there will also be exams first few weeks of January 2016 but it will be nice to spend a little more time with family and friends. For ‘tis the season to be jolly’, for goodwill and with all that is happening within the

world right now we hope for peace.

Try to remember to always be doing that which builds you and helps you develop positively. Not just in what you hope to become and achieve in your chosen careers or professions but also as citizens wherever you live. There is much to be involved in while at university if you chose to engage in civic engagement initiatives, however, often, there is much that can be doe to help those on our own doorsteps at home! This season,

when there is much abundance on show, try to look out for those who have not, who lack, as they could use you help or support. This may not always be obvious to spot but if you see a need I hope you will do your best to meet it or support your local organisation in trying to meet it. Try also to remember your loved ones who have been support while you have been making your studies a priority this semester. Your presence makes a nice present!

Martin SlarkCEO, Molex

. Employability Society

UEL Alumni Role Model 2015

Believe me when I tell you fellow society members that in missing this man’s guest lecture on Monday, 7th December 2015 you did yourselves a great disservice. Now, I do understand there were lectures and seminars to attend, assignments to submit etc etc etc… We are busy people right? But if there was ever a time you need to prioritise this was it. Not only was Martin an interesting person, his career was a great model for our own hopes and dreams for the future and he generously gave tips and advice about how

to work one’s way ‘up the ladder’.

I shared some of this on our LinkedIn page to which I provide the online link here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/martin-slark-employability-society-uel-alumni-role-model-society Maybe you felt you didn’t know who Martin was so it was not important to attend. Well, then, this is a perfect opportunity for me to explain the importance of making sure to do your research. Research is an important employability skill as well. For when you apply to the dream job of your life you sure will not tell me you will simply attend the interview without having carried out the necessary background research of that company, the CEO, the Director etc? Then exercising this skill whilst you are still at university is just as important. Had you done your research you would have known that not only is Martin the CEO of a large multinational company but that he is devoted in his support of our

university and we all benefit from this in some way. You may even come across some of his books in our libraries.

If you had not understood why we as a society were giving him an award then let me start with an apology. I should have made this clear. Martin is all the things above but more importantly Martin was once one of us! Yes, he is an Alumni. SO more than any other CEO in the world, whoever they may be however successful they may, we are the most fortunate of universities to have one of our own. There are hard working ambitious people who could work incredibly hard to be in a position where they can finally be in the same room as the CEO and have the opportunity to have him pass the kind of tips Martin shared with us who attended. Do you see? Here is another employability skill: the ability to understand and value the opportunity/opportunities provided or which you find and use them!

They are not easily found so don’t dismiss them so easily friends.

Well fortunately for us, Martin will return at some point in the following year. The Employability society intends to ensure this time round we represent, as students who are ambitious with dreams to become truly employable people in the future. And hopefully we will do our best to guide others in the understanding of the importance of attending talks and listening to the rare and great advice men like Martin give. It is my hope we will pledge our support to our leaders in getting fellow students to realise the importance too and showing them how they will benefit from such opportunities.

We want to encourage UEL leaders to continue in their efforts to bring exceptional speakers from their networks like Martin to the benefit of students. When their efforts go unappreciated and not taken advantage of it can bring a ‘fatigue’ which might see them stop this in time. That cannot happen Employability Society! We need to do what we can for ourselves, our fellow students, for UEL and for speakers like Martin by pledging

our support to somehow bridge this gap! I already know this will happen. You are already proving what excellent members you are through the many things we have taken on as a society in the short time we have existed! You are to be congratulated but we can do more and more besides. I am looking forward to what is coming from the society in the year ahead!

But more about Martin’s talk last Monday. I came away from it truly inspired. Here are 5 top tips Martin gave for a balanced and successful career.

1. Get A Mentor!Martin advises it is essential to speak to someone who is in a position to help keep you directed towards your goals. He says ideally this should not really be someone you report to but someone who will not be afraid to let you know you are going of track.

2. Change Jobs Every 3-5 Years!Now hear what Martin is saying here. He is not saying you necessarily have to leave the organisation you work for if you are truly happy however you should try to move within that organisation between departments if possible to advance in your career.

3. Get International Experience! You as members should not be surprised to see this here. It’s in our society charter! To get a global perspective. You all know the world operates much more on a global level now and Martin stresses where possible look for and find opportunities to get international experience as this helps you to stand out to prospective employers of multinational and global firms and organisations.

4. Get A Hobby!

This one might have surprised you and yet again it might not. For

we all know the old adage or do we? “All work and no play makes Jack (or Jill) a dull boy (or girl)!” It’s important to keep a balance between work and something you do for yourself says Martin who also stresses that probably more important than wellbeing from enjoying a hobby and number one above all things is taking care of your health. Actually he places Good Health far and above all that is on this list and everything. Because, as he says quite rightly, without good health nothing else can be enjoyed to its fullest!

5. Give Something Back! Well Martin should know more than anyone how important this is. He doesn’t just make a show of giving back. This man was here in person doing just that! He doesn’t need to have left the comfort of what must be a really plush office to give back. He could simply instruct others to give in his name. But year on year he returns to UEL to meet with our leaders and also to meet and talk with us students himself! And Martin and his wife and family do more besides where they live and they are involved in so many other charitable events.

They believe in giving back and do it’s clear!

“If you’re lucky enough to do well in life and reach the top, it’s your responsibility to send the elevator back down!” Kevin Spacey

Martin had many more tips and so much information that was not only useful to us in considering our future but I tell you some of what he said helped with my Competitive Advantage From Innovation assignment! Getting learning and knowledge from the CEO’s perspective! What a rare and unique opportunity!

But if you want to know more…you’ll have to wait for his next visit and hear the man for yourselves!

So, the Employability Society at UEL thanks Martin Slark once again and thanks him for accepting our small token of acknowledgment and appreciation from the students’ perspective for all that he does.

Congratulations Harry Rodell!

(Pictured above with Guest Presenter of Award Sherry Dixon, Journalist, Motivational/Life Speaker)

Well done Harry on your fantastic achievement! Harry completed his Professional Development Award which he did with CaSE (Careers and Student Employability) and won an award for being the most employable student at UEL as well as being the most points overall for L5 students at UEL! You make us proud Harry. He also earns himself 40 points on the Employ Program on top of this which will hopefully put him in the running for more awards there too. Well deserved!

It is this sort of effort and importance that Harry places on his employability which is most admirable and

which makes him a great leader within the society. When our new channel launches soon look out for Harry’s video interview in which he shares a little bit more about his achievement. Harry does so much already. He studies hard, works hard, networks and gains experience by engaging in programs and initiatives like the PDA and Employ. You too can take part in these programs so doo look at the employability page on Moodle for more details. Congratulations again Harry!

Best Wishes all!

Maria.

Dr Ruth Cherrington Says Well Done!

(Dr Ruth Cherrington, Empolyabiility Director,

School of Business & Law)

Dear Employability Society members!

I’ve been asked by Maria to say a few words so here goes! The most important words I feel compelled to write are – Very well done!

You’ve set up a brand new society in a short space of time. You’ve appointed all your officers and have already held several events. You’re on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter as well as Youtube …... Goodness me, that is a lot of activity and a huge social media presence. You’ve all be very busy so congratulations and keep up the good work.

It’s very much your society, to make things happen that you want to happen. I’m here to support you as much as possible and to publicise your work and activities widely.

Being involved in this society is of course a wonderful employability activity in itself, something you should be documenting in your EMPLOY portfolio if you are in the SBL. Attending activities and events can earn you EMPLOY points as well as giving you great experience of networking and taking on responsibilities, getting work experience and gaining more self-confidence. And you are helping other students as well as by bringing them on board and spreading the employability message.

Earning a degree these days is still an achievement but employers are looking for something more than this. Being active in the Employability Society will give you this added extra that will help catch their attention and make them want you in their team.

Students often ask me how can they gain some work experience, how can they apply some of the many things they learn during their modules. Being part of this society is a useful way of gaining that experience, as is participating in EMPLOY and CaSe’s Professional Development Award.

What you’ve done so far is impressive…. I’d like to help you progress things even further in the New Year!

I wish you a peaceful and restful time over the holiday period. Time for reflection as we approach the middle of the winter and a new year. I’m not a great believer in New Year resolutions but let’s resolve to have more employability activities going on and really highlighting to others what capable and talented students we have!

And don’t forget to keep updating your

EMPLOY documents! I’m expecting quite a few students to be receiving Certificates in Career Development in May 2016!

Season’s Greetings to one and all!

Ruth

of The EmployabilitySociety! To echo Ruth dear fellow members it is true looking back that we achieved quite a bit in a short space of time and I am excited for what more we can and will achieve for ourselves, the society, fellow students at UEL and our community in 2016!

But on this journey it is important to acknowledge and

thank those who have been in the background lending their support to us as well as Ruth whom we are deeply grateful for. Thank you Ruth for your passion, drive and belief in us!

To our friends we say a big thank you! With you all in our corner we can only go from strength to strength!

(Dr Ian Bathgate, Director of Business Development and Centre for Innovation and Enterprise, UEL)

Ian has been friend of the society along with Ruth from the very start! The idea to begin the society originating with them both! Thank you Ian for also supporting us as you do ‘behind the scenes’. It is acknowledged and much appreciated.

(Richard Queree, UEL Student Union & Radio Co-ordinator)

Richard was one of the first of our friends to reach out to us and offered his support for our YouCan project. Richard helped with getting permission for campus collections and has pledged to continue support with that when we resume the project in 2016. Thank you Richard!

(Aziz Mohamed Shyllon, Business Development & Alumni)

Since hearing about our society Aziz has lent his support as both the society and he explore whether there are any ‘synergies’ between oour goals and aims. Whilst at the moment the society membership is closed to current students there is a possibility for opening membership up to alumni so that when we all leave UEL there is still a connection. Thank you Aziz for your help and time you’ve given to the society this semester.

Andrea Popeau Thomas, Careers Consultant, CaSE)

(Nadine Lewis, Careers Consultant, CaSE)

Thank you Andrea and Nadine for also reaching out to our society and providing the platforms to speak to students about the society. We really appreciated the opportunity to get to talk with students about what we are trying to achieve.. Thank you involving us in your Employability Week program. We look forward to perhaps having an opportunity to do this again with you in 2016.

(Joseph Crook, Volunteering Manager, CaSE)

Joseph, our new friend, thank you so much for such a positive meeting! We look forward to working with you in 2016.

It is here I would like to say a thank you to my personal network of friends who on hearing what we were trying to achieve have supported the society through me. Some have gone so far as to donate in resources we could ill afford since had no resources of our own. Thank you to those silent few.

I thank you all on behalf of the society!

Maria.

To my fellow leaders of the Soicety,

“I can no other answer make,But thanks, and thanks, and ever thanks…” William Shakespeare

(Sam Masaba, Vice President)

Who can believe we have survived the most important part of the semester with assignments and exams. I know too well the stress that comes with not knowing if you’ll make that deadline and whether you have studied the right areas for your exams. Whether so

and so has done their bit for group of if they will even turn up for the group presentation! Stress, tension and sometimes a lack of sleep!

But if you keep a cool head and push on you get ot this part of the semester when you can finally breathe a little, look up and relax with student colleagues before taking a break and spending some quality time with family friends.

Reflecting back it is incredible how much wee have achieved. All of us. We have a lot to be proud of and I am sure in 2016 we will have much more to be proud of again. Remembering that all this that we do, although time consuming, is useful to strengthening our employability and helping us stand out from the crowd.

Keep in mind that at the end of the day standing out from the sea of graduates who you will enter the ‘real’ world with will help you.

Wishing you all a restful break and I look forward to catching up with you all in 2016.

(Theresa Yemisi Williams, PR & Events)

Oh yes! Stress is right Sam! But it is all to be expected while we are at university. Especially if we want to excel. And it is not a stress we cannot handle. When those results are finally revealed there is a sense of achievement and knowing that you edge yet nearer and nearer to your goals.

I continue to work on the pamphlet. Obviously doing so when I can afford the time amidst my many commitments and of course when it comes to assignments etc. I make these a priority. But I will continue to update you on how that is going and let you know when it is ready for the hub and for any of you who want copies to hand to friends.

A joyous break to you all and meet you next year for a fantastic 2016!

(Faiza Maqbul, Treasurer)

We don’t actually have a budget as yet so it is a little difficult for me to update you much about this. I can tell you that though there was some thinking about a fee introduction it has been decided this will be reviewed in the new academic year of 2016-2017. This means that much of what we want and have to achieve will require us to raise funds together somehow. While we appreciate the generosity of resources from friends some members and friends of the society we will need to be resourceful ourselves as much as we can. And I know we can!

I too continue to be very busy with my many ventures which add to my employability skills. I look for opportunities to do this and encourage you to do the same. My efforts have been recently acknowledged in some circles and while I appreciate the adulation I know that what I do builds my future. So do start to

think about strengthening your skills in the areas you’d most like to see develop.

Have a good break all. I too look forward to seeing what exciting things lie in store for us in 2016!

(Harry Rodell, Marketing & Social Media)

Wow! Thanks to those who turned for the group photo. We are working on these and will be sharing these with you before we place on LinkedIn. It was a great turn out. Well done. A visual presence is very important in putting yourselves out there to again, stand out from the crowd.

So let me then take this opportunity to ask you to consider the benefits on crating a digital presence. Statistics show that year on year this is where most essential information and interaction will take

place. Digitally. Especially through social media. In this day and age to not have a social media profile sets you back and may give an impression you are not quite up to date or current.

It would be a shame to have an excellent profile which no-one ever knows about or sees because you decide to shy away from social media.

Yes there is much to be wary of on the internet and you must take care but it is important to realise you need to be me more visible there.

LinkedIn is a great site to start. The Employability Society has a page here.

uk.linkedin.com/in/employabilitysociety If you are on LinkedIn already why don’t you connect with us there. We members know each other a little better now and can genuinely endorse each others skills to others out there. And if you are not on Linkedin but want help then look out for step by step help coming in 2016. And if you literally need someone to talk you

through the set up process then contact u1322368@uel.ac.uk and we can look at that. There’s no time like now and we can help each other get things like this done.

The new youtube channel will be up and running some time in the next semester. These are videos we’ll be sharing about our activities and interviews etc. Rather exciting. Do look at our facebook page too where we will start to place tips, advice and news. Twitter too is a great way to engage. But so far, for the short time we have been operating, we are on track.

Thank you all and I am looking forward to enjoying more society activities with you in 2016!

(Venessa Vanriel, Social Director/Secretary)

As Harry mentioned turn out to the last

meeting was great. Thank you to those who were able to make it and for those who couldn’t we completely understand competing/conflicting priorities. We hope to see you next time. The minutes of that meeting will be shared with you ahead of our next meeting. We are planning this for some time in the last week of January 2016 so please look out for information we will send out regarding that meeting early in the new year.

As always please email u1322368@uel.ac.uk to let me have items you’d like to see discussed at the next meeting. Let me encourage you to put your suggestions forward. The meeting is for you so we want to make sure what is being discussed is what you want t know about.

Well, our society Christmas cards arrived and Maria and I have been sending these out in between assignments and we hope to have all posted by the end of this week.

Don’t forget our festive social on:

Wednesday, 16th December 2016, Room 2.40, USS

You are most warmly welcome! Do try to pop in if you are able.

There is much in the pipeline for 2016 and it all very exciting. I am looking forward to it all. Wishing you all a merry festive break and a happy new year 2016!

Epilogue

Dear Members,

There is much I the pipe line for next semester involving your personal development and helping each other with building our employability for the future. I know you all want that above all the same as me, as each

other. It is true that we have done a lot in a small amount of time and we can do more besides! We will build on that. But it is my hope that our growth will come from the core of who we are as individuals. That we develop in ourselves the things which matter most ie integrity, honesty, kindness, gentleness, peace etc.

We can do much to raise our profile but let us not be those who are concerned with how we appear ‘cosmetically’ to those outside the society but rather how what we dream for ourselves can be done in a way which builds others too. Yes, we want to project an image of how strong our abilities and capabilities are to show how employable we are to the outside world but let us ensure this image we project matches who we are inside. At the core. I’ve no doubt we will do so easily especially having met many of you. You are simply amazing! You are proof of the rich talent that is within UEL. Lets explore and exhibit more of that in 2016!

Thank you so much you wonderful members of the Employability Society.

Your President

uk.linkedin.com/in/employabilitysociety

@empsocuel

www.facebook.com/employabilitysociety