Employability prize winners apply classroom theory to realities of business
Students from the University of Central Lancashire’s School of Business had a glimpse of the future when they attended the European Wearable Technology Conference in Berlin.
Seven undergraduates, who study in the University’s Division of Communication, Marketing and Public Relations, joined Senior Lecturer Chris Shaw for a two-day visit to the German capital, in a scheme supported by University’s International Travel Bursary.
Presentations in Berlin included sessions on 3D Printing, drones and the Internet of Things. UCLan students met representatives from some of the 170 companies represented at the event and listened to discussions on future trends in green industry, driverless vehicles and Virtual Reality.
"Study field trips help students to apply what they have learned in the classroom with the realities of business."
The students were selected as part of a division employability prize and after they were asked to write a 250-word article on why they would like to attend the conference. A sub group made up of Chris Shaw and colleagues Caroline Holliday, Senior Lecturer and Division Lead on Employability and Dr Adrian Wright, Lecturer and School Lead on Student Experience, chose the students based on their commitment to employability and developing learning outside scheduled class time.
The seven students included three first years: Jason Bamford, Christian Lake and Lauren McCoy together with second years Lauren Kingsley and Sophie Goulden and finalists Rachael Askem and Rebecca Bruneel.
Alison Lucas, Acting Head of the School of Business, said: “Study field trips help students to apply what they have learned in the classroom with the realities of business. Many of our students will work at business exhibitions in their career so this was a very useful chance for them to pick tips from the experts.”
"This trip will be of value to my portfolio and as a topic of conversation during interview, it will help with future-proofing my CV as wearable technology is a prevalent aspect of communications today."
What the students said:
Rachael Askem: “A very well planned, worthwhile educational trip, relevant to my course with a bright, engaged, friendly group of people. This trip will be of value to my portfolio and as a topic of conversation during interview, it will help with future-proofing my CV as wearable technology is a prevalent aspect of communications today.”
Rebecca Bruneel: “Action packed trip, filled with activities to broaden our horizons as well as teaching us how to work as a team with individuals we'd never met.”
Sophie Goulden: "Having the opportunity to visit Berlin and the Wearable Technology Conference was a very valued experience, which will prove to be very beneficial in the future. Not only did I achieve a business insight of Berlin whilst on the trip, I also met a great new set of friends."
Christian Lake: “The field trip was an all-round enjoyable experience. I feel like I learned quite a bit about wearable technology and got to experience Berlin's culture and history completely throughout the whole journey. I would definitely go on the trip again, if given the chance.”
Lauren McCoy: "It was a great opportunity to meet new people and experience the German culture, and I gained some valuable insight into the future of wearable technologies at the exhibition."