Reflections on employability

The Open University and Nottingham Trent University’s Employability conference - “Expanding the narrative for a rapidly changing world - continuing the conversation” - took place this week.  It was a fantastic event, with inspiring and thought-provoking speakers, and contributions from the hundreds of delegates who attended (virtually) from around the world.   

The debate around employability and higher education is one which has been ongoing for decades and this event demonstrates that the debate is as relevant as ever.   One of the aims of this conference was to reconsider ways in which employability is perceived and interpreted, drawing on new research and insights, but also taking into account wider social, economic and political influences.  The last few years, in particular, have amplified the need to develop new skills, adapt to change and rethink careers and roles for the future.  One of the key themes discussed by several presenters was employability and sustainability – concerns also occupying staff here in the Business School!

Institutions across the globe are developing ways to address the question of student employability.  Helping to prepare and support our students so that they are prepared to transition to the next stage of their careers or study is a top priority for many of us working in higher education (HE).   It isn’t an easy task with, of course, a range of opinions on how this should be approached.     

I was lucky enough to present a poster at the conference, sharing my research on this topic.   My research explored the perspective of staff of employability and revealed a wide range of experiences, interpretations and responses to the employability agenda, influenced by several factors: personal experience, values and beliefs, position within the institution and the nature of the institution.   It revealed that we need to take a nuanced approach to employability, rather than a one size fits all approach.   It’s important to note that a range of stakeholders are integral to the employability debate – including students, staff within HE, and employers.  I also believe that a combined, co-created approach to employability development, which takes into account these groups’ varying needs and objectives, is also important.     

The employability debate is complex and will undoubtably preoccupy HE staff for the foreseeable future.  However, this week’s event demonstrates there are lots of ideas and best practice to draw on from colleagues in HE all over the world.

-ends –

By Dr Emma Edwards, senior lecturer in marketing, University of Wolverhampton Business School.