Graduate Accelerator Programme
12 June 2009
The first Graduate Accelerator Programme (GAP) took place at the Graduate Development Centre (GDC) last week.
The week-long course is an intensive programme open to recent graduates from all universities and is designed to enhance their chances of gaining graduate level employment.
The programme opened with a presentation from Paul McCraith, representing the Financial Services Skills Council and Caroline Sudworth of Cogent, the Science Skills Sector Council. The presentation outlined how the Councils operate, the career related information they provide, views on the current economic situation and insider tips for successful applications in these sectors.
This was followed by sessions on developing self awareness – which enables participants to identify and sell their skills to employers, creative job hunting, CV writing, application forms, presentation skills, preparing for interviews and assessment centres. It also included a one-to-one meeting with a careers adviser, a CV clinic and an opportunity to practise interview technique with a mock interview conducted by a specialist in graduate employment.
The week closed with a networking lunch attended by several graduate employers including the Civil Service, Enterprise Rent a Car, Liverpool City Council and Jury’s Inn, Liverpool. They were able to discuss opportunities available within their organisations and offer insights into what graduate recruiters are looking for in successful applicants.
Kristina Tishcendorf, an LJMU Food and Nutrition graduate, commented: “The course really helped me reflect on my skills and achievements and showed me where I need to improve in order to prepare myself for my future career”
The programme runs every month, with a limited number of places available for the courses starting on 29 June and 27 July. For further details and to book a place visit www.ljmu.ac.uk/gap or email gap@ljmu.ac.uk
