Jisc Change Agents' Network Conference 2024

In the School of Physics, Engineering and Technology, University of York we have implemented an inclusive learning environment to support undergraduate employability skills and knowledge. Our approach reflects the diversity of physics students and addresses intersectionality that can affect career choices. The distinguishing feature of this approach is the connection and co-creation of activities between different members of the physics community (eg professional staff & academic staff; students & near peers; students & alumni employers and professional staff & alumni employers). This presentation will focus on how working across the physics community has enabled the development of several new curricular and co-curricular activities to foster an inclusive learning environment. These activities include:

1. Alumni employer delivery embedded into undergraduate modules – creating accessible employer contacts and relatable student role models

2. Near peer and alumni mentoring to support students in undertaking work experience programmes (e.g. year in industry) and promoting a sense of belonging and role modelling

3. One-to-one, person-led careers guidance – tailored support that identifies and addresses individual, intersectional need

4. Digital Career Planning Tools - breaking down misconceived stereotypes of physics related job roles and who they are applicable to

Student feedback highlights these activities create a connected student learning experience that promotes a sense of belonging and confidence.  Finally, the presentation will present emerging LinkedIn analysis, which suggests that students that engage with these activities are more likely to be in graduate level roles (90%) i.e., graduate-level work or study compared with ‘non-engaged’ students (75%).

The work presented here was recently shortlisted for a University of York Inclusive Impact Awards 2023 for the category of Pioneering Inclusivity Initiative.