Marc Steward, careers consultant at the University of Leeds, explores the benefits of inviting small and local businesses to talk to students about employability, rather than always turning to the established corporations
Inviting business leaders to speak to university students is invaluable. It bridges the gap between theory and practice, offering students real-world insights and inspiration. Traditionally, these talks are dominated by representatives from large, established corporations - the blue-chip giants with multi-million-pound turnovers and instantly recognisable brands. While these sessions undoubtedly offer valuable perspectives, they often present a singular view of business success.
There's a whole universe of businesses beyond the FTSE 100 that students rarely get to explore. SMEs, micro-businesses, bootstrapped ventures, and social enterprises all contribute significantly to the economy and offer unique models of success. These businesses often operate with distinct values, prioritising community engagement, ethical practices, and sustainability alongside profit.
It challenged my students to think critically about what constitutes both business success and career fulfilment.
Exposing students to this diversity of thought is crucial for cultivating a more holistic and nuanced understanding of the business landscape. It is the role of university careers services to expose and educate their students and graduates to all aspects of the working world.
This year, I decided to introduce my first-year BSc International Business students to a company that defies conventional business moulds: The Biskery. This Leeds-based artisan biscuit bakery, founded by Lisa Shepherd and Saskia Roskam, embodies a refreshing approach to business, demonstrating that success can be achieved while prioritising social responsibility and ethical practices.
Rather than simply focusing on their business journey, Lisa and Saskia delivered a fantastic session specifically tailored to employability. They delved into the nuances of finding the right fit for your career, going beyond simply securing any job.
They emphasised the importance of:
- Character over CV - while qualifications and experience are important, Lisa and Saskia stressed the significance of personal attributes like resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to learn. They encouraged students to reflect on their own strengths and values, and how these align with potential employers.
- Cultural fit - they highlighted the importance of researching a company's culture and values to assess whether it's the right environment for you to thrive. They encouraged students to ask themselves: 'Can I see myself genuinely contributing to and enjoying working within this organisation?'
- Two-way street - Lisa and Saskia reminded students that a job offer is not just about the employer choosing you, it's also about you choosing them. They encouraged students to be selective and consider whether the role and the company truly align with their aspirations and values.
This approach to employability resonated deeply with my students. Here's why The Biskery was the perfect business to deliver this workshop:
1. Baking a better world, one biscuit at a time
The Biskery isn't just about baking delicious treats; it's about baking a better world. Their commitment to sustainability is evident in every aspect of their operation, from sourcing local ingredients and using recycled packaging to minimising waste through a made-to-order business model. This resonated with my students, who are increasingly aware of the environmental and social impact of businesses.
2. Empowering working mothers
The Biskery was born out of a desire to create a family-friendly work environment. Both founders are mothers who understand the challenges of balancing work and family life. They have built their business around this understanding, offering flexible working arrangements and prioritising employee well-being. This commitment to work-life balance and employee empowerment highlighted to students the changes currently taking place to traditional workplace cultures.
3. Community connections
The Biskery actively engages with its local community, fostering a sense of belonging and connection. They participate in local events, collaborate with other businesses, and prioritise building relationships with their customers. This emphasis on community engagement highlighted the important role businesses play in contributing to the social fabric of their locality.
4. Values beyond profit
While profitability is essential for any business, The Biskery demonstrates that it doesn't have to be the sole driving force. Their commitment to ethical sourcing, sustainable practices, and employee well-being showcases a business model that prioritises values alongside profit. This resonated with students who are increasingly seeking purpose-driven careers and businesses that align with their values.
5. The power of personalisation
The Biskery specialises in creating bespoke, personalised biscuits. This focus on customisation and creating unique products for each customer highlights the importance of understanding individual needs and building strong customer relationships. This very much mirrors the message I pass on to students about the importance of their own brand and targeting themselves to the right employers. In fact, I teach a session on personal branding to this module each year.
The Biskery's visit provided a valuable counterpoint to the traditional corporate narrative. It challenged my students to think critically about what constitutes both business success and career fulfilment. By showcasing a business that prioritises sustainability, employee well-being, and community engagement, The Biskery broadened my students' horizons and demonstrated that business can – or maybe should - be a force for good.
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