Bridging the gap with ‘finishing’ schools?

With the market for graduate jobs being tougher than ever, having skills that are most desired by employers is very important. Companies look for applicants with good qualifications but soft skills are also highly regarded in the workplace.

Some commentators including higher education professionals and an MP think that it is necessary to reduce the gap between university and employment by offering graduates courses in workplace etiquette. The aim is to provide skills that will impress employers, which include communication and presentation skills, how to prepare a good CV as well as general skills like how to dress for an interview and good manners. The course will effectively be a one stop shop that will target all the key areas for development and hopefully result in future success.

This programme has been piloted in London and there are discussions about launching a national programme. However, with the costs apparently going to be £1,000 per student, is it really worth it? Even if the costs are subsidised by the government and universities, they will still be significant in the context of higher university fees, where graduates are burdened with greater levels of student debt.

Also, currently there are more traditional methods of free careers advice, which tend to work well on the whole. Careers services provide advice about CVs and help with preparation for mock interviews and assessments. Employers take every opportunity to travel to university campuses to promote their companies and provide application tips. There is a lot of information available and the key point is finding out the most important facts and practising before your interview. You will most likely have the skills to succeed already, but you just need to make sure you hone them so you behave professionally and answer questions well on the day.

Overall, ‘finishing’ schools may appeal to certain people who feel that they need to learn more about the best way to present themselves at interviews. Still, in this difficult economic climate where there are higher university fees, it is unlikely that many people will spend money on such a service. By speaking to careers advisers, you will soon realise the types of skills that employers want, and hopefully you can do well in the interview to secure your desired job.

By Arnab Datta