HEA-ICS & BCSRecruitment Workshop, 12 Feb 2009

Attracting post-graduates

Peter Chalk

Associate Dean, Faculty of Computing

London Metropolitan University

The London Met approaches…• 1. our overseas offices and agents• 2. articulation agreements• 3. Graduate Certificate in Computing • 4. in the case of Comp Networking, Digital

Communications Networking etc, our CISCO Academy• 5. our research centres• 6. the 'family' approach (Advanced Computing etc)• 7. our UG students, eg those who do a lot of volunteer

work, student society, ambassador/ SWT etc• 8. employability expectations• 9. developments like MRes, Prof. Doc.• 10. taster events that include 'research & development'

talks.

3. Graduate Certificate in Computing

• http://www.londonmet.ac.uk/$-archive/pg-prospectus-2005/courses/computing-conversion-programme.cfm

• The one-semester Graduate Certificate in Computing covers three core areas of computing:

• Object-Oriented design and programming (using Java)

• Database design and implementation• Networking, including the Internet

4. Cisco Systems Regional Academy (RA)

• http://www.londonmet.ac.uk/courses/cisco/home.cfm

• established in 1998• MSc Comp Networking: “Applicants will also

be considered who have a relevant professional qualification (CCNA/CCNP) and/or extensive relevant professional experience in an IT-related environment.”

Comment from Dr Bal Virdee, course leader for MSc Digital Communications Networking

• “The recruitment of PG students is a function of several factors, e.g.:

• Employability –survey job market, feedback from colleagues in industry. Course title unambiguous & content to deliver necessary expertise.

• Student experience –students that they inform friends and relatives about our courses, facilities. Can be ambassadors if good experience…

• Supportive and well-structured environment is vital. Friendly staff. Help overseas students face adjust to a new academic environment.

• Course content – real world case-study scenarios. Employers want graduates to have pertinent knowledge of current developments. Hands-on labs. Students enjoy this aspect of our courses. Investment in updated equipment is essential.

• Feedback – students can gauge their standard and improve upon it. They greatly appreciate immediate feedback even if it’s informal.”

Saeed Taghizadeh – Comms Tech cluster leader

• 1. Our own experience, strengths and resources are already known to our existing and past UG students. We were writing references for about 40% of our own graduates every year to go to other universities!

• 2. Hands-on, practical approach rather than theory and textbook approach. Each course has unique selling point.

• 3. Recommendation / guidelines from International Office on overseas market demand and Industry Liaison Committee - we asked: “Would you employ a graduate who completes such a course?”; & got valuable feedback on our initial proposal/ structure.

• 4. At least a single module in every PG course which is the specialization module.

• 5. Equally important is running of the courses and how various pedagogies ensure maximum benefits to students and reputation.

Dr Yangou Jing, course leader MSc Advanced Computing (Mobile Computing) & Digital Solutions

• “Good course website, list relevant information, FAQs, include work students have done, & what they have been up to after they graduate.

• See MSc Digital Solutions (IT Consultancy) http://www.mscitconsultancy.com/

• MSc Digital Solutions. http://www.city.londonmet.ac.uk/dds/

• & MSc Advanced Computing (Mobile Computing) http://www.city.londonmet.ac.uk/dds/acmc/ “

Preeti Patel, course leader MSc Information Systems Development

• PG applicants are primarily concerned about jobs.

• Profiles of past successful students in secure, interesting and lucrative jobs is always attractive to potential applicants.

• Course information with these details is useful (a photo always goes down well!).

Mark Bickerton Director, Student Recruitment and International

Development

• Key macro level factors are:• 1. range of PG courses fits with the particular markets in

which the institution does well and has the ability to do well • 2. having a reputation not only for good teaching and good

curriculum, but good links with employers. Students increasingly care more about the job prospects and the extent to which the University can help them get there, than they do about ratings and RAE. CISCO is a key feature.

• 3. staff who have opportunities to understand the market, and good dialogue between external facing units and the dept.

• 4. having good conversion and support of enquirers and applicants.

• 5. working with agents throughout the world

Penny Dekker, Computing Recruitment Co-ordinator

• 1. Personal recommendation is always a strong recruiter - hence student experience very important.

• 2. Individuals who understand the system & guide students turns a negative comment to friends and family into a positive one.

• 3. Swift turnaround of application coupled with the personal touch also has an impact. It suggests both efficiency of our organisation and consideration of the individual.

• 4. Relevance to work market, contacts with industry and hence improvement of job prospects very important.

• 5. Practical, hands-on approach is also valued.

In summary…

• Worldwide network of agents

• Course web site; profiles of successful students

• Word of mouth

• Personal touch; swift turnaround

• Job prospects; contacts with industry

• Hands-on teaching; fit to market