Stepping into the future

Lower Sixth students were focussing on the future on Monday when they took part in a “Next Steps” day concentrating on the skills they will need to be successful in the workplace.

As part of the day the students all took part in a practical workshop on effective body language where they considered the fact that body language not only affects how others see us, but it can also change the way we see ourselves. The session covered a range of relaxation, breathing and voice exercises and the girls also worked on “owning their space” and ways to avoid panicking under pressure. The session highlighted the need to be courageous and the value of volunteering to contribute to group exercises that can help an individual to stand out in the mind of a potential employer.

During the day the girls also participated in a mock Graduate Programme selection process consisting of four stages:

• Logical Reasoning testing  
• A timed in-tray exercise
• Competency based mock interviews
• Group participation exercise

There was also a focus on the power and importance of networking. Each student was encouraged to create their own “Network Map” – to think about situations where they could network and look for opportunities to gain valuable work experience. From asking friends and family, to volunteering, attending formal events and speeches, careers and alumnae events at school, or even striking up conversations at University Open days. The key message being promoted was about how important it is to talk to people and build a personal connection, in the hope of making a good impression which could lead to opportunity.

A highlight of the day was a networking lunch held in the Arts Centre Café. The experience provided the students with a fantastic opportunity to put their networking skills to the test when they mingled with a selection of staff and parents representing a range for career areas from Marketing and Sales to Teaching and the Arts.