"If we do not challenge the status quo, we do nothing to contribute to social mobility"

Social Mobility has been a feature of political rhetoric of late, and has been an underpinning aim of many widening participation universities. However, I do wonder whether the complexities and subtleties required to enhance the student experience to ensure all our students maximise their potential, are truly understood. Gill Frigerio, Course Director of the Management of Student Work Experience Programme, at the University of Warwick has written a really interesting article which examines, very succinctly, both the Government debate, social theory and our roles in Advice and Guidance - see link below to access the article.

"Fireworks and networks - is it really all about 'who you know'"?
Author: Gill Frigerio, Course Director of the Management of Student Work Experience Programme at The University of Warwick
Pub: Phoenix, October 2011
http://www.agcas.org.uk/articles/446

Useful Video Clips from BBC 3 Up For Hire Live website

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00k9c3r/clips

Some useful video clips can be found on the above link. The clips include comments from employers as well as young job seekers and include the following topics:
An insiders' guide how to develop a positive approach to job searching
An insiders' guide to interviews
An insiders' guide to looking for the right job
An insiders' guide on how to fill out your CV
An insiders' guide on how to be a good team player and a good team leader
An insiders' guide on how to be a better problem solver and decision maker
Technical Note: These clips tend to work better if opened up in the Firefox browser, and they do need you to be using the latest version of Adobe Flash Player.

Digital Identities - Webfolios

I have spoken before about the increasing importance of having a digital identity. Webfolios is one way to develop a digital identity and Sussex University have developed some examples - see the link below.

http://www.agcas.org.uk/assets/download?file=2856&parent=1092

Useful PDP tools from www.mindtools.com

www.Mindtools.com

You can find a range of free tools students could use as part of their PDP at the above website - topics include:
Leadership; Team Management; Strategy Tools, Problem Solving; Decision Making; Project Management; Time Management; Communication Skills;, Creativity Tools; Information Skils and Career Skills.

Are women breaking through the 'glass ceiling'?

The two articles below discuss this - what are your thoughts and experiences?
Women and men disagree over fragility of glass ceiling, says Friends Life

http://www.hrmagazine.co.uk/hro/news/1019890/hr-directors-positive-women-breaking-glass-ceiling-research

HR directors are positive women are breaking through the 'glass ceiling', research shows

http://www.hrmagazine.co.uk/hro/news/1019849/women-disagree-fragility-glass-ceiling-friends-life