Kent Business School’s Lecturer in Careers and Employability has been awarded the Barbara Morris Prize for Learning Support.
The prize was awarded in recognition of Irena’s work which has ensured that Kent Business School is at the forefront of embedding employability into the undergraduate curriculum on a large scale.
Working alongside other Kent Business School academics, Irena integrated three dedicated employability sessions into two compulsory first-year modules (Employability and Study Skills for Success – Medway CB373 and Business Skills & Employability – Canterbury CB311).
As part of the assessments for these modules, students are required to write a self-reflective business report, as well as complete an online Moodle award. The award is tailored to students of Kent Business School and guides them through the job hunting process.
The modules conclude with students submitting an up-to-date graduate-level CV. These are then assessed and students receive feedback from careers professionals, to ensure these are fit-for-purpose. This process prepares them for stage two when employers recruit for internships and Year in Industry placements.
The prize was awarded by Vice-Chancellor Karen Cox at a lunchtime ceremony. Irena was awarded second place, a monetary prize of £1,500 to put towards something that will benefit Kent Business School students. As Irena said:
‘I was absolutely chuffed to receive this award because it recognised the huge amount of work I have invested. Most importantly, this award gives us a little bit of cash to spend on our students, which will enable us to consider some more unusual employability activities.’
Debbie Kemp, Head of Employability and Placements at Kent Business School said: ‘This award acknowledges Irena’s professionalism and passion in supporting our Kent Business School students on their journey to find the perfect jobs, in-person and via the Kent Business School Employability Blog which has 2000 hits every month. Well done Irena!’
Congratulations to Irena from all at Kent Business School. View Irena’s staff profile.