Embedding employability in the business curriculum

Fresh research reveals that embedding employability into the curriculum through the use of Personal and Professional development (PPD) modules positively impacts graduate prospects

This report by Angela Partridge, careers manager (Business and Law job share) and careers adviser at Manchester Metropolitan University, was funded by the Jisc careers research grant and examines the impact on undergraduate students of having employability taught at each level of study within the curriculum.

Key findings 

• Many graduates believed their degree had improved their career prospects.
• On the PPD (Personal and Professional Development) modules developing employability skills, graduates agreed the employability skills would be used in a current or future role.
• There is lots of evidence from the questionnaire that the scaffolded units in each year of undergraduate curriculum on employability developed graduate skills and abilities. For example, out of the 18 graduates that responded to the survey, 15 strongly agreed or agreed they had an effective online profile, 14 graduates now strongly agreed or agreed they were confident in interviews and 12 graduates strongly agree and agreed they were capable in assessment centre environments.
• When asked which employability experience had been most useful to the graduates from their whole university experience, all the responses received with this question were activities connected and discussed within the PPD units in curriculum.
• Most graduates demonstrated being in a positive graduate role destination after completing their course with the scaffolded PPD units included in each level of their degree.

About the report 

This project looks at the integration of Personal and Professional Development (PPD) units/ modules, focused on embedded employability, within the higher education university curriculum. With universities increasingly focusing on graduate outcomes, this study investigates how these units/modules support students' transition into the workforce. It aims to answer the following questions:

• Has embedded curriculum professional development increased students' graduate prospects or employability?
• How has embedded professional development impacted students view of the labour market?
• What careers and employability learning experiences curricular and co-curricular have been most impactful?
• How do students/ graduates evaluate the merits of increased digital learning opportunities?
• How has the scaffolding approach to embedding employability at all undergraduate levels impacted student views on their careers management?

This report also includes feedback on embedding employability skills in academic programmes to ensure graduates achieve positive career outcomes.

This research was funded by the Jisc careers research grant. If you're a careers professional planning to undertake research, you may be eligible for funding of up to £5,000.

Written by

Angela Partridge

Careers manager (Business and Law job share) and careers adviser

Manchester Metropolitan University