POSTED Wednesday 19-06-24
IoD’s Workforce for the Future – A Student’s Perspective
My name is Chloe McDerment, and I am currently a Summer Intern at Aspen People and a Business student at the University of Strathclyde.
I was given this opportunity after partnering with Aspen on a university assignment and have since had the pleasure of working on education-based projects which have greatly expanded my knowledge of the sector and allowed me to refine my research skills whilst delving into the world of executive search and leadership, an area of work I had not previously considered but am now drawn to.
In the first week of my internship, I attended my first professional event: Workforce for the Future, an Institute of Directors event held at Strathclyde University’s Technology and Innovation Centre
I was immediately intrigued to hear from leaders in higher and further education and how their views may align or differ with my own personal experience as a student. With 4 incredible guest speakers, I was given an insight into the Scottish education sector and learned the ways in which current directors are championing educational change which will benefit not only us as students, but also the wider workforce.
The key takeaways for me included the concept of ‘The Golden Pathway’ – referring to the idea that university is perceived as the most prestigious and successful route to take. Although I have thoroughly enjoyed my own time there, I do believe that the real benefits of college and apprenticeships should be highlighted to pupils from a young age. As highlighted by the guest speakers – Often the societal perception of what is ‘best’ triumphs the advantage of gaining sector specific skills or choosing the pathway which suits the needs of the individual.
My table discussed generational differences in terms of how specific jobs are perceived. It’s interesting as someone who has grown up with social media from a young age to see how that has influenced what I want from employment in comparison to the generation before me.
Another point which stuck with me surrounded the idea that there is currently a gap between what is being taught in education and what is expected from candidates as they move into the workforce. As someone who is progressing to their final year of university, it prompted me to reflect on my own learning, and acknowledge that Strathclyde Business School have equipped me with useful transferable skills which can be carried into employment.
Knowing that senior leaders in the industry are striving to create outcomes and a curriculum which will most benefit young people, not in terms of grades which can be limiting and restrictive, but instead in terms of the skills and knowledge they want us to gain. To me, this has emphasised that the system is moving in the right direction, in the hands of people who do want us to succeed.
Attending such an event and working as part of the Aspen team has been both rewarding and enjoyable as I continue to learn from everyone around me. With the summer ahead of me, I look forward to what we can achieve together and everything I will learn along the way.
