Lead Department
Marketing and International Business
Coordinated by
Ríona Flood (riona.flood@mtu.ie)
Active Members
5
Purpose
The Graduate Programme Preparation Learning Community was established to create a structured approach to support final-year undergraduate students in securing places on Graduate Programmes. These programmes offer students more than just employment; they provide further education, training, mentorship, and international placements, fast-tracking career progression. The Learning Community focuses on Bachelor of Business (Hons) in Marketing and Bachelor of Business (Hons) in International Business with a Language students, equipping them with the knowledge, tools, and mentorship required to successfully navigate graduate programme applications.
While MTU’s Careers Office provides excellent general support, this initiative aims to enhance discipline-specific guidance, ensuring students are well-informed, prepared, and competitive when applying for graduate roles. By fostering awareness and providing targeted mentorship, this Learning Community seeks to enhance MTU’s standing among employers and showcase alumni success stories.
Summary
As a new Learning Community, the initiative has been designed with a clear operational structure to increase student awareness, preparation, and success in graduate programme applications. Activities include:
- Raising Awareness:
- Lunchtime talks with free pizza featuring alumni and employers from companies such as Musgraves, Irish Distillers, and Accenture to introduce students to graduate programme opportunities.
- Attendance at the GradIreland Fair in RDS, giving students exposure to networking and employer engagement.
- Enhancing Application Understanding:
- Workshops on psychometric tests, interviews, and digital submission processes to address common application challenges.
- A self-register Canvas module with application deadlines and key resources.
- Providing Practical Tools:
- A simulated assessment day to help students practice the full selection process.
- A networking skills workshop, potentially linked to an Extended Campus Open Careers Day.
- Email reminders and resource links to ensure students remain engaged.
- Offering Mentorship:
- Students progressing through applications will be paired with mentors who will act as guides, offering feedback and strategic advice.
For the 2023-24 academic year, this Learning Community aims to enhance student engagement with graduate programme opportunities and strengthen industry connections to increase graduate employability.
