Students talk business with employers at SCCI cruise
Students from London South Bank University (LSBU) recently had the opportunity to showcase their employability skills to high-profile employers on the Southwark Chamber of Commerce and Industry's (SCCI) Summer River Cruise.The event was attended by eight LSBU students from the University's Summer Employability Programme, pupils from local colleges, City entrepreneur Prem Goyal OBE, as well as Chairman of the Southwark Chamber of Commerce & Industry Barry Martin, and Deputy Mayor of Southwark Sunil Chopra.
The final-year students put into practice what they learned during the Summer Employability Programme - the importance of making contacts in their careers, selling their ideas with an 'elevator pitch' and had the chance to network with employers including Anthony Gold Solicitors, DP Graphics Ltd, Ladbrokes, Caxton Youth Organisation and Parker Randall Chartered Accountants.
LSBU's Summer Employability Programme is designed by the University's Employability Service, primarily for final year students and recent graduates, looking at a wide range of skills and knowledge essential for the graduate labour market, as identified by employers.
These include presentations by external partners, interview techniques, the importance of networking, social media and its application, CV building and what to expect in graduate assessment centres. The three-day programme is delivered four times a year between July and August at the Career Gym in LSBU's new Student Centre, with approximately 20 students participating each time.
Rudaba Osmani, Programme Manager in the Department of Student Life Services at LSBU, said: "The cruise was an exciting opportunity for our students to put into practice what they learned in the Summer Employability Programme.
"They came out of their comfort zones, spoke to business people they had never met before, found out about their industries and talked about their own skills and aspirations with confidence and professionalism.
"It was a perfect example of bringing theory into real life, against a backdrop of beautiful scenery complemented by lively music and great food. Events like this provide our students with an opening into the real world and a valuable chance to establish a foundation for their careers."
The event was a particular success for LSBU graduate Justyna Kawala, who managed to secure work experience with Parker Randall Chartered Accountants. Justyna recently gained a First Class Honours Degree in Accounting with English Language Studies.
Local entrepreneur, and Executive Committee Member of the SCCI, Prem Goyal OBE, said: "I was really happy to sponsor our talented young people from LSBU on SCCI's River Cruise. I was impressed by their ideas, motivation and desire to be successful. I am very keen to work more closely with LSBU to inspire our young people and help them find the right jobs and fulfil their dreams."
Valbona Gjoka, a recent LSBU graduate who attended the cruise, added: "Such events are a life changing opportunity for many people like me who are not normally given the chance to make our voices heard. I've learnt that I will have to work hard and look out for new opportunities in my life so I can become a successful woman in my future career."
Find out more about the employability services available to LSBU students.