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Article Information:
Title:
Transition of graduates from backpack-to-briefcase: a case study
Author(s):
Peter McIlveen, Dominic Pensiero
Journal:
Year:
2008
Volume:
Issue:
Page:
489 - 499
ISSN:
0040-0912
DOI:
10.1108/00400910810901818
Publisher:
Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Acknowledgements:
This project was supported by a grant from the Australian Government through the Department of Education, Science and Training. The authors would like to thank members of the project team, employer reference group, and steering committee.
Document Access:
Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to overview the Backpack-to-Briefcase project which established a set of prototype career development learning strategies for Australian university career services, with the aim of contributing to their services for supporting students and graduates to make a smoother transition into graduate employment and the world-of-work.
Design/methodology/approach – A case study analysis of the development and implementation of three career development learning interventions is described. These interventions include: employability skills workshops for students; career mentoring for students; and services to small and medium sized employers to support their recruitment and induction of new graduates into their worksites.
Findings – The prototype interventions developed in the project extended the work of the university's Career Service. The interventions were judged as having the capacity to be readily implemented by university career services. A key outcome was the success of the graduate-induction initiative which engaged small and medium sized employers traditionally unfamiliar with or unable to enter the graduate recruitment market.
Originality/value – This case study highlights the value of university career services' contributions to undergraduate preparation for the world-of-work, particularly in regional areas. Furthermore, the case study highlights the importance of inter-departmental cooperation within the university environment, and the value of university-industry collaboration toward the goal of improving graduates' transitions into the workforce, particularly in rural and regional areas.
Keywords:
Australia, Career development, Career guidance, Graduates, Higher education, Learning
Article Type:
Case study