At any stage in their degree your tutees may want to discuss their professional development so it's important to be aware of where to access information on relevant opportunities within their programme, placements and internships and career planning guidance.
Professional Development aspects
"She has been a great help in dealing with internship applications and career mentoring. She is very approachable and a good listener, as well as her career and accomplishments at such a young age is inspirational to me and her other tutees." (Imperial Student)
Students often ask their personal tutor for advice on optional courses and on choosing a career direction. They might be interested in why you chose your career path and how you got there.
"You are a person too: What are your interests? What is your research? What is teaching like from the ‘other side’?" (Personal Tutor, Department of Life Sciences)
Students can be referred to the Careers Service for information about the various employment sectors, employers and general career development advice. Students intending to take up an industrial placement might also find it useful to contact your Department’s Industrial Liaison Officer.
Personal Tutors should be aware of the UROP scheme and the many opportunities offered through the Outreach Office and Imperial College Union, and how they can benefit students.
There are many opportunities to develop professional skills and practices (e.g. working collaboratively, giving presentations etc.) embedded within the curriculum, so it is worth consulting your tutee’s programme handbook or finding out from the Programme Lead so that you can signpost this for your tutee. Or you might task your tutee with doing this.
The Graduate School plays a key role in delivering the postgraduate student experience and offers a tailored programme of professional skills training which helps to ensure personal ambitions are realised.