Careers speed dating event, March 2014
Tue, 10 Jun 2014 14:46:00 BST
The Childhood Studies BA(Hons) course organised a very successful annual ‘speed dating event’ in March to help students consider the wide variety of career opportunities open to them.
Students circulated around tables ‘dating’ practitioners who work with children, young people and families. They listened to people talk about their careers, the rewards and challenges of the job and asked questions about how to plan their future careers in the range of fields open to them. When a timer sounded, students moved on to the next table.
This year’s speed dating event saw professionals from eleven different career settings; from social work, youth justice, teaching and early years, museums and galleries, education welfare, play therapy, special needs, youth work and children’s centres.
Here’s what some of the students had to say about the event
“informative”, “buzz in the room”, “motivating”, “inspiring”, “great insight into different professions”, “so enjoyable talking to the experienced professionals”.
Andrea Brearley, one of our students, summed up the event on behalf of the students and University staff:
“The dedication and passion for what these practitioners do I found to be contagious. The connections made may also help with my placement choice. I am sure I will remember this event and find it very useful for the future. I am also grateful for the visitors giving up their valuable time to inspire the Childhood Studies year one group.”
More student reflections
- This was so useful, it gave me a real insight into lots of different professions
- It was really striking how passionate and committed the practitioners were. Not just about their work, but about the children and young people they work for
- I’m really inspired now about a career in primary education
- I thought the practitioners explaining their work delivered really well. They were so enthusiastic!
- Very enjoyable session. So informative I would enjoy something similar again. Would recommend for other first year students
- It has helped me clarify things and focus on what I can do in the future
- It was a great opportunity to talk with some experienced professionals
- Beneficial to talk to someone who is actually in the job to gain an insight to what it is like.
- Definitely need to keep doing this event – it’s brilliant. I feel so motivated and determined now to do well on my course
- Great variety – it was well presented, organised and informative: be good to tell people considering applying to different Universities that this is what you get at Huddersfield
Ceri Daniels, the Course Leader, offered her thanks to the ‘wonderful practitioners and postgraduate students who gave up their time to share expertise and experiences about working with children, young people and families.’
