Igniting Potential: University Bootcamp Unlocks Students Spark

The University's Centre for Graduate Prospects in collaboration with the faculty of Business, Law and Tourism / Sunderland Business School at the University of Sunderland ran its first Business Bootcamp, which provided an opportunity for students to enhance their employability and gain industry insights. The event garnered positive feedback from the 19 attendees who participated in the programme to ignite their spark.

The Bootcamp featured guest speakers from organisations such as 日产 , North Wealth Management, Northern Education Trust Northern and Enterprise Mobility .

The one-day event commenced with an Insights training session, enabling learners to reflect and uncover more about themselves and their communication styles. There was a real buzz, students were excited to explore their self-awareness through the colour energies ahead of meeting the Employers in the afternoon. This was followed by an alumni and employer panel where guests shared their insights and knowledge about their sectors and the skills needed to succeed, as well as their own experiences and journeys.

The final session focused on crafting successful CVs and applications, providing students with guidance on effectively marketing themselves to potential employers. Attendees then put their learnings into practice by creating their own three-minute pitches to answer the dreaded 'tell me about yourself' interview question.

The enriching day concluded with a celebratory reception where participants received certificates of completion over cake, recognising their involvement in the valuable career preparedness programme. By fusing invaluable exposure to industry professionals, skills development exercises, and personalised career guidance, this experience ignited participants' spark - fuelling their motivation, abilities, and confidence as emerging professionals.

"We're extremely proud of how the Business Bootcamp allowed students to truly ignite their employability and enterprise spark," said Jo Briggs , Enterprise and Employability Officer for the Centre for Graduate Prospects and lead organiser of the event. "Seeing them engage with industry professionals, and gain career insights was incredibly rewarding. Their enthusiasm and the skills they developed will undoubtedly propel them forward on their professional journeys. The positive feedback we've received reinforces that events like these are vital for preparing our students for career success."