S

t

u

d

e

n

t

s

b

u

i

l

d

r

e

a

l

-

l

i

f

e

e

m

p

l

o

y

m

e

n

t

s

k

i

l

l

s

t

h

r

o

u

g

h

o

n

l

i

n

e

i

n

d

u

s

t

r

y

p

l

a

c

e

m

e

n

t

s

A work-based learning programme offering real-life industry experience has recently helped 100 SOAS students develop their employability skills and knowledge of the workplace.

The SOAS Virtual Industry Project places students in teams who receive a project brief from an employer. They work virtually and collaboratively to research and present recommendations for an organisation in a final report. The programme runs for two weeks and uses the virtual learning platform Practera. 

Industry clients consisted of startups, SMEs and NGOs - around 15 in total – with projects themes for students to take part in involving growth strategy, sustainable impact, public policy and digital marketing. Industry participants included health tech company MYEndi (JENIX TECH) which provides an app to managing endometriosis, PCOS, and adenomyosis; a sports performance mindset coaching service OWNDEVELOPMIND and the music publication showcasing iconic artists Turning Point Magazine. 

The programme outcomes were very positive, with student willingness to recommend the experience to others at 90%. Many noted that it gave them a better understanding of their own interests, strengths and motivations. Around 93% of industry clients claimed that this project improved their business insights, decision making or capability.

It developed my collaborative skills and my confidence in communicating my ideas...

Yasmine Bira, LLB Law finalist, said: “It developed my collaborative skills and my confidence in communicating my ideas with a group and with a client too. I can now add this experience to my CV and LinkedIn which will enhance my employability prospects. It's a cool experience to speak about, especially because the project I did links with my career prospects!” 

Resolve Poverty, an independent, not-for-profit, anti-poverty organisation working with local authorities and partners across the country had a student team researching potential new service offerings and the viability of them expanding their training offering. Thomas Waring, Business Development Executive, said: “The brief was clearly fully understood. Some clear, actionable actions have come from this work. We are particularly impressed at how [students] have understood the limitations of us as a smaller non-for-profit organisation, providing recommendations that can realistically be achieved and afforded by an organisation of our type and size.” 

Dr Hannah Bargawi, Global Director of Learning and Teaching, said: "We are delighted to see the impact of this programme where both students and clients benefit immensely from the experience. In collaboration with the SOAS Careers service this forms part of a number of initiatives we are offering students to expand their network and prepare them for the world of work.”