What’s Next After Employability Tuesday? Introducing ‘Careers in…’
The Employability Tuesday series has ended, providing a good opportunity to reflect on how it enhanced the student experience with the School. Since its inception, it offered a space for students to explore potential careers, meet employers and gain confidence about life after graduation.
By Becca Jackson
Launched by Maria Tovar-Gallardo in 2020, the Employability Tuesday series aimed to bring students and employers together in an informal setting. The sessions highlighted speakers from diverse sectors such as finance, technology, data science, education, research and more. Speakers offered insights into what professions in these industries look like and how the skills gained by mathematics graduates can contribute to their work.
Some of the great speakers who have taken part include professionals from the Civil Service, Public Health Scotland, Lloyds Banking Group, Arup, Capgemini, Edinburgh Innovations and Moody’s Analytics. The mix of practical advice and personal guidance made the sessions engaging and demystified transitions from university to work. Sessions concluded with a Q&A segment which often sparked lively discussion.
While Employability Tuesday itself will not continue, the School remains committed to supporting students in making career choices. A key element of Employability Tuesday was its platforming of inspiring career stories, which will live on in the form of a new initiative called ‘Careers in…’. Students will hear from employers of maths graduates on the many pathways they may take after finishing their studies and what it’s like to work with them.
Kat Kiernan helped coordinate the Employability Tuesday series in recent years, and reflects, “Employability Tuesday has been a wonderfully rewarding opportunity for students to develop their understanding of new and exciting career prospects that they may never have been aware of.
The events gave students insight into a range of industries and companies, developed their awareness of how they could use their subject knowledge in the world of work, as well as the benefit of the experience of industry experts who have previously been in their shoes. The next iteration of employability events and guidance within the school, ‘Careers in…’, will continue this important work.
Employability Tuesday also showcased the work of the Student Development service. Through workshops, events, and one-to-one advice, they supported students in identifying their skills, preparing applications, and navigating the graduate job market. Many who attended the sessions went on to successfully apply for internships or graduate roles.
An alumnus and speaker at the final session, Duncan Harper, Assistant Director from Moody’s Analytics, said, “I always enjoy delivering presentations at Employability Tuesday, as it is fantastic event and a great chance to talk to many highly motivated students. I attended many lunchtime talks at the University when I was a student and even met my current manager at one of his talks! This shows what an amazing opportunity for networking and knowledge building these events can be. I look forward to returning next year to deliver another talk and hope to see many new enthusiastic faces.”
As the series concludes, we would like to express our appreciation for everyone who contributed to its success, from the organisers and guest speakers to the many students who participated and shaped the conversations.
Look out for information on our new ‘Careers in…’ events in the coming weeks.
