Advice for teaching staff
Teaching staff are often the first to field questions from students wondering what to do with their learning. However, ANU students have the benefit of being able to study subjects that interest them in a range of combinations. This kind of program flexibility is a great way for them to gain broad knowledge and invest in their interests while they are still figuring out what to do with the rest of their life, but it can be difficult to frame this learning when planning for post-graduation.
The good news is that the ANU Careers and Employability team is here to work with both students and staff. We partner with professional staff and academics to facilitate effective careers education, work-related experiences and employer connections. Our aim is to empower all ANU students to develop their own professional identities and plan for their future with resilience and flexibility.
Over the last two years, under the leadership of Associate Director, Elizabeth Bailey, the team has been building stronger foundations in conjunction with College colleagues to help students feel more ‘work ready’ when they graduate.
The team supports in three distinct areas: Work Integrated Learning, Employer Engagement and Careers Education. The four-domain Employability Framework, developed by Susanne Jones and endorsed by the Academic Board, provides a scaffold for curricular and non-curricular activities, partnerships and organisational capability, and defines the characteristics of an employable graduate from the ANU.
We have invested in two new platforms, streamlining processes and increasing visibility of careers education and work-related experiences.
Staff in all areas will use the new placement management platform, InPlace, to more efficiently access and monitor student placements, and help us ensure we meet legal, insurance, risk and reporting requirements.
Through the new careers management platform, Career Central, students will have access to improved career opportunities including industry and career events. In addition, students will be able to track their employability and career readiness progress and assess the skills they’ve acquired through various opportunities.
InPlace and Career Central will be ready for release by the beginning of 2025 academic year.
The ANU Careers and Employability team use evidence-led practice to encourage a four step approach to career planning: 1. Understand your professional self (who am I now and who do I want to become?); 2. Understand industries and employers (where might I fit in?); 3. Find and apply for jobs (How do I market myself effectively?); and, 4. Navigate and drive your career (how can I progress long term?).
If you would like further information about how we can work with you or your students, please contact careers@anu.edu.au.
Elizabeth Bailey, Associate Director, ANU Careers & Employability
