University of Southampton Business School & Science Park Event: A Focus on Experiential Learning

The University of Southampton places an increasing emphasis on ‘Experiential Learning” (work-based learning) which is an effective way for students to learn new skills and enhance their employability, a rich teaching method for university staff, and a great opportunity for businesses to gain new insights and spot emerging talent. The university is keen to build a closer collaboration with the Science Park in order to create these opportunities.

The following are the highlights of the event which takes place on Thursday 4 May, from 12.00-1.30 pm, at the Axis Conference Centre.

• An introduction from Dr Robin Chave (CEO of the Science Park) and Dr Philip Alford (Director for Careers, Employability, Placements, & Alumni Relations, Southampton Business School) who will set out the opportunities to engage with students in multiple ways, including part-funded internships, inter-disciplinary innovation projects where business students work in teams with students from other faculties (e.g. Engineering, Computer Science, Law), year-long student placements, and live business briefs embedded in students’ courses.
• Hear from Adrian Braine (Entrepreneur-in-Residence for the SETSquared partnership, independent Business Consultant and Catalyst Coach) who is currently working with students on a digital marketing project for his business. As part of the conversation with Adrian, you’ll hear more about the business school’s experiential learning platform and how to get involved.
• Learn more about the university’s Student Enterprise division and how they support aspiring entrepreneurs - maybe the next wave of businesses to move to the Science Park!
• Last but not least there’ll be an opportunity to chat informally with our students over lunch and hear directly from them about their aspirations, skills, and also what they look for from an employer (sometimes referred to as ‘reverse mentoring’).

We want this to be as much a conversation as a presentation and there will be lots of opportunities for questions and discussion.

Hope to see you there!