Industry experts at the University of Ulster’s Ulster Business School have encouraged young people to ‘go that extra mile’ when it comes to finding work.
In a week when youth jobless figures reached a record high, the need for practical experience while studying was highlighted at an event for leading business figures, who bring a working knowledge to the classroom.
Entrepreneur, Michael McQuillan, a Visiting Professor and an alumnus of the Ulster Business School, said young people should market themselves to potential employers.
He set up and runs the Streat cafe chain, which has a workforce of over 350.
“As an employer we are looking for people who have gone that little bit further. Yes, it’s good to have a degree but what sets them apart from other applicants – for example, have they worked over the summer and Easter breaks?” said Professor McQuillan.
“I always ask the students, ‘have you spoken to graduates who are a few years ahead of you to find out how they got their jobs, what path did they take?’
“In the current climate you have to market yourself, think of yourself as a product. One of the most important things is being prepared for interviews, no matter what the job is, so many people come unprepared and take it for granted that they’ll still get the job.”
The Belfast businessman explained how Visiting Professors help to bring the working world alive for students.
“It is vital to invite industry speakers into the lecture theatre and apply theory to reality. It is also essential to ensure that students have quality placements.
“As an employer I know the Ulster Business School provides an ideal foundation for working in industry in Northern Ireland. In the Streat, we have a number of Ulster graduates in our senior management team and a few who have taken on franchises themselves.”
Leading economist John Simpson is another of the School’s Visiting Professors. His message to new graduates is to be prepared to start at the bottom.
“You have to learn how to do the routine things before you can start climbing the ladder. It’s important for young people to approach the world in a realistic manner,” he said.