‘Peer-to-peer careers’ initiative will supply skills and support to students

The University of Northampton (UON) has started a novel careers scheme that upskills the advisers and those seeking advice – students helping students.

The 14 student Career Coaches are paid and have undergone an intensive training programme with ongoing mentoring guidance and support their fellow students as they embark on their career journey.

Fellow students needing help with creating a CV, how to search for and apply for a job and preparing for an interview can drop in and talk with them in the Student Futures area, ground floor of the Learning Hub between 10:00 and 16:00 Monday-Friday.

The Coaches can also be contacted for an online chat using the University’s in Student Futures Portal.

Maizy Barnard is one of the 14 Coaches. She says: “I applied for this role because I had doubts about my future and felt a bit ‘stuck’ about my career choices.

“Working as a Career Coach, I’ve developed a clearer picture about my future, allowing me to assure others who feel the same that they are not alone, meaning I make a difference at the University.”

Michelle Howie, Career Development Consultant at the University, leads the initiative and adds: “After an intensive period of training and reflection, it is a pleasure to announce the start of a new way of doing employability coaching and mentoring at UON – peer-to-peer careers!

“Career Coaches will not replace the existing support we offer our students but will add to it with multiple benefits. Students wanting advice and support will have a ‘first port of call’ from someone in the same boat who can more closely empathise with their situation.

“At the same time, the Coaches benefit from extra skills and experience valuable on anyone’s CV, boosting their future employability and ensuring the wider careers team can devote more targeted time to students who need more time.”