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Chapter 15 - Career Education, Information and Guidance

  1. 15.1
    Introduction
    1. 15.1.1
      The ifs School of Finance maintains a tradition of providing relevant education and awards at HE level to prepare students for a career in the financial services industry, thus ensuring that graduates are equipped with the appropriate skills and knowledge in the employment market. The ifs School of Finance has built strong links with all of the main employers within the financial services industry, who play an integral part in the development of qualifications for the (predominantly) part-time student body.
    2. 15.1.2
      Overseas students are able to connect with the ifs School of Finance regional centre organisations that provide networking opportunities and access to key employers in their territories.
    3. 15.1.3
      The ifs School of Finance programmes are delivered in both distance learning and academic centre mode in the UK and overseas. The geographic spread and nature of the student base present a challenge in providing an effective career education, information and guidance (CEIG) service, which is accessible by all students. It is also acknowledged that many students do not require the normal services of an ‘on campus’ CEIG facility.
    4. 15.1.4
      Provision of a dedicated CEIG service is, however, required of an academic centre offering a full-time programme of study leading to an ifs School of Finance award.
  2. 15.2
    Information and Guidance
    1. 15.2.1
      The ifs School of Finance provides information and resources regarding careers through its electronic library and information service, ifs KnowledgeBank. All students are provided with access on registration for ifs School of Finance HE programmes. The site contains resources and useful reference materials about:
      1. Career opportunities and potential employers;
      2. General information on careers in the financial services industry;
      3. Curriculum vitae preparation;
      4. Interview preparation and interview techniques; and
      5. Information about the first destination of graduates.
    2. 15.2.2
      Students are made aware of the CEIG through the student induction programme, which includes guidance about the ifs KnowledgeBank facility. Personal tutors can also direct students to any careers resource or source of guidance (through the ifs School of Finance learning support team) at any time during their studies.
    3. 15.2.3
      Academic centres delivering ifs School of Finance programmes are encouraged to link with ifs School of Finance regional centres to provide opportunities for students to attend events and/or take advantage of networking opportunities with ifs School of Finance alumni and members.
    4. 15.2.4
      Academic centres delivering full-time courses of study are required to provide student access to a CEIG service locally (15.1.4). The service is expected to provide adequate resources and guidance about future careers and employment opportunities, and to ensure that students are prepared for the transition from study to employment or further learning opportunities. Examples of good practice include ‘transition to workplace’ and ‘interviewing skills’ workshops.
    5. 15.2.5
      The CEIG is quality assured in those academic centres supporting full-time students through the initial visit (see Code of Practice Chapter 6 – Collaborative Provision) and annual monitoring reports.
  3. 15.3
    Institutional Values
    1. 15.3.1
      The ifs School of Finance is committed to providing lifelong learning opportunities for its alumni and membership. The ifs School of Finance provides information about continuing professional development, regional centre events and ifs School of Finance masterclasses through its Financial World magazine and through the web portal. Such events provide opportunities for students to exchange information and enhance understanding about work-related and current employment issues.
    2. 15.3.2
      The unique nature of the dual award, and the applied nature of the ifs School of Finance HE programmes, provide an opportunity for students to be supported through the personal tutor network which carries a blend of professional and academic expertise. This represents an integral resource to help prepare students for the application and development of their skills in and for the workplace.
    3. 15.3.3
      The ifs School of Finance recognises, therefore, that its prime contribution in terms of careers advice and guidance is best rooted in its Continuing Professional Development provision – to support alumni and members as their career aspirations and ambitions change and develop.  The brochure ' Benefiting you and your career' positions the  ifs School of Finance as helping members meet the challenges of a dynamic industry through the provision of the support essential to their personal and professional development. 
    4. 15.3.4
      The brochure draws attention to the following opportunities available through the ifs School of Finance :
      1. Public awareness (eg through links with Government and providers of education)
      2. Access to structured learning
      3. A range of on-going development opportunities (events, seminars and masterclasses) 
      4. ifs KnowledgeBank
      5. Local and regional centre network
      6. Magazines
      7. Legal and counselling helpline
      8. Coaching service.
    5. 15.3.5
      A career management service, again principally aimed at qualified members, is run in conjunction with an external agency.  It is designed to allow members to take control of, and manage, their own careers and personal development.  The services available include: cv review; a career management workbook; CCTV interview coaching; job search strategy; and a job vacancies database.  This support is made available to ifs School of Finance members at specially negotiated prices.
  4. 15.4
    Evaluation and Enhancement of the ifs School of Finance CEIG Provision
    1. 15.4.1
      The ifs School of Finance collects information about the first (or current) destination of its graduates from HE programmes. This is monitored through annual programme review and considered with feedback from students and employers in the context of the continuing relevance of the curriculum and skills development of those graduating from the programmes.
    2. 15.4.2
      Students attending full-time courses of study provide feedback to the academic centre on CEIG provision as part of the programme review, and action plans are developed as required to enhance or revise the existing service. The ifs School of Finance Degree and Diploma Session Review Group oversees the feedback and formation and monitoring of action plans.