Links with employers

The University of Reading firmly supports the development of strong links between employers and the University. These links occurs at different levels throughout the University both formally and informally. The aims of these links are:

• Where appropriate, to enable employers and professional bodies to provide inputs to the curriculum so that students can gain the skills and knowledge relevant to future graduate job roles
• Ensure, where relevant, that academic teaching reflects the requirements of professional bodies
• Ensure placement and career learning modules contain inputs from employer representatives so that students gain a better understanding of career paths, how to access them and future career progression

Examples of current practice at Reading include the following:

• Speech and Language Therapy have practising Speech and Language therapists who as academics ensure the course meets professional requirements
• The Department of Psychology compulsory careers module, taken by all Part 2 students, has involved a professional clinician in the design of the module
• In Real Estate & Planning, academic courses are designed and delivered with close industry collaboration. All the courses are validated by professional bodies, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and/or the Royal Town Planning Institute. Reading Real Estate Foundation (RREF), an educational charity and alumni association, helps to strengthen industry links through the management of an active and engaged alumni association. The RREF Mentoring programme partners current students with industry professionals, and the annual RREF specialist careers fair, as well as a series of industry evening presentations, provides students with extensive contacts with relevant employers
• Chemistry in Industry and Professional Skills is compulsory for all final year MChem students. This module is taught largely by visiting industrialists from a variety of backgrounds
• Archaeology involves a number of professional speakers working in different areas of British Archaeology to inform undergraduates how the discipline of Archaeology is currently practiced in the UK
• Meteorology -the Department hosts 25 Met Office scientists working in a wide range of fields including convective-scale modelling and data assimilation, climate change and satellite observations. Some postdoctoral staff working at Reading are jointly funded by the Natural Environment Research Council and the Met Office
• Systems Engineering - staff at CISCO have acted as mentors to students,provided guest lecturers and donated equipment to allow students to practise and experiment with their newly acquired networking knowledge
• The Careers, Placement and Experience Centre works closely with academic departments to deliver career learning modules - many of these modules feature Reading alumni and other relevant employers who speak directly to students to outline career opportunities and how these can be accessed