Abstract:

Changes in the global business environment have led to discussion of the responsibility for universities to enhance student employability. Throughout the world policies are being introduced that seek to enhance employability through educational initiatives with a view to boosting national wealth [1]. As [2-4] discuss, the increased global competition for graduate jobs means students must develop employability skills.

In the UK there is demand from government, business and university regulators[5] that universities respond to the employability agenda. University's vision is to "educate our students as confident, world-ready citizens" we want our students to have "a real impact in our community and in the world".

This paper explores the opportunity for students on the BA (Hons.) International Business and MSc International Business Management, to develop their employability skills. [6] recognise that there are great benefits to both employer and student in project related work experience. The International Consultancy Project modules enables students to use their academic and employability skills work by working with local and national companies on live consultancy projects to research International Market Opportunities. Students work on the project over a semester which culminates in a Presentation and written report of their findings and recommendations to the company.
The impact of the module is positive from both students "meeting a real client, analysing the company, researching the market-it was all invaluable experience" and Clients "This was never going to be an easy project. I was overwhelmed with the quality of the research"
As [8] concludes valuable real-world work experience that enhances employability skills leads to greater student satisfaction. Our students can identify their employability skills and demonstrate to employers that they meet business requirements of ‘graduates who not only add value but who have the skills to help transform their organisation in the face of continuous and rapid economic and technological change’ [7].

References:
[1] Little,B. International perspectives on employability, York: The Higher Education Academy. Briefing Paper.2003
[2] Pitan, O. S. Employability development opportunities (EDOs) as measures of students' enhanced employability. Higher Education, Skills and Work - Based Learning, 6(3), 288-304. (2016).
[3] Newton, J. "Learning and teaching: enhancing student achievement through employability", Thailand European Policy Dialogue Support Facility, (2015),
[4] Tomlinson, M., "Graduate employability and student attitudes and orientations to the labour market ", Journal of Education and Work, Vol. 20 No. 4, pp. 285 - 304, 2007
[5] HEFCE Opportunity, Choice and Excellence in Higher Education, HEFCE, Bristol. (2011)
[6] HEFCE Increasing opportunities for high quality higher education work experience(2011). Confederation of British Industry CBI (2012) Boosting Employability Skills
[7] Chen, T., Ching-cheng, S., & Gosling, M.Does employability increase with internship satisfaction? enhanced employability and internship satisfaction in a hospitality program. Journal of Hospitality, Leisure, Sports and Tourism Education, 22, 88-99. (2018)

Keywords:

Employability, Employer Engagement, Graduate Skills, Consultancy Projects, Authentic learning.