BU Research Blog

Last week I was very pleased to have presented at the ASET Annual Conference at the University of Exeter.  ASET is the Work Based and Placement Learning Association of the UK and one of the key organisations I turn to in my role as Placement Development Advisor for the Faculty of Media and Communication. This year the conference attracted approximately 200 representatives coming from Universities throughout the UK, Ireland and Canada.

As the theme of the conference was on Positive Partnerships, my presentation was on a new engagement event we ran for the PR programme in the Faculty of Media and Communication earlier this year. After securing Fusion funding, led by Anastasios Theofilou, and in collaboration with academics and professional staff across the institution, we hosted an employer engagement event. Approximately 20 employers attended and all first and second year students were involved by preparing and displaying a poster CV. By presenting themselves and in talking to employers, numerous students were able to secure a future work experience as a result. Employers were able to engage with students, interview their top choices, and talk to key academics, all important in strengthening their relationship with the University. PRCA, one of the industry professional bodies, also attended and showed their support of BU and their focus on industry engagement. We also had alumni attend as company representatives. Overall, it was a wonderful event that made considerable impact to all those involved.

I shared our experiences to a classroom of university delegates where the open discussion and feedback were positive. Already I have received emails from two attendees keen to run similar events at their institutions and therefore, it is quite exciting to know that our success at BU may be expanded onto other campuses.