'Getting on Board’: Supporting HE students’ transition to employment

Abstract

In 2013, -The Get on Board (GOB) -extra-curriculum -programme was launched at Edinburgh Napier University’s Business School with the aim of placing students on the boards of local charities, voluntary sector organisations or public bodies, where they could practice key skills for employment, network with professionals and -help make decisions that impact on their community. To date over a hundred students have been supported by the Business School and community partners with training, networking opportunities, mentoring and career guidance. Last year the Programme team carried out an investigation into the value of the learning experience by interviewing students who have taken the programme and alsointerviewing a trustee about the value of students on boards. Through this research, we have identified good practice in the current Programme and opportunities for further support toenhance students’ transitions to employment.