Kent Business School were delighted to host another highly successful collaborative employability event with IBM, on October 25, 2011 which took place at the School’s Canterbury campus.
We were pleased to host and co-deliver a mock ‘Assessment Centre’ with IBM – one of our key student work placement employers. The aim of the event is to prepare students about to apply for their work placement for 2012 in readiness for the upcoming Assessment Centres for application and entry into work placement employment.
Ninety students studying undergraduate degree programmes with a Year In Industry at Stage 2, who are now seeking to apply for their professional work placement as part of their degree took part in this collaborative workshop, just one in a series of events that Kent Business School are delivering in connection with employers to provide valuable experience for students.
The event started with an introductory presentation in the lecture theatre about assessment centres and the necessity to work in teams. Half the group then went to various seminar rooms to complete their assessment which was monitored by IBM managers and intern students from Kent Business School, currently on placement at IBM.
The process was repeated for the second group, whilst the Schools’ IBM interns delivered further presentations in the lecture theatre on topics including what to expect during a Year in Industry and life in the corporate world.
Elaine Howe, Student Placement Coordinator at Kent Business School felt this event proved beneficial for the students “I was excited to attend this collaborative activity with IBM, it’s such a great opportunity for our students to gain a deeper understanding of the company, as well as what to expect during the real assessment centre. Feedback from IBM and the students was positive, so I am sure they will not be as nervous at the real thing!”
We are pleased that IBM were very impressed with the strong calibre of our students, they were focussing on real and relevant business and employability issues such as a focus on team work and cohesive practises. Students were equally impressed by the quality of the session which will greatly enhance their employability skills.
The next event in this series is on 29 November 2011 and further details can be found on the Business School website or by emailing kbsugplacements@kent.ac.uk.
These workshops are only open to stage 2 students registered to undertake a Year in Industry.
View photos of the event