This document provides information about extracurricular opportunities for students at Birmingham City University to enhance their skills and employability. It describes various programs like Employability Challenge Week, which includes CV workshops and mock interviews; the Leadership Challenge, involving competitions and entrepreneurial activities; international placements; and on-campus job opportunities. Student testimonials praise the chances to gain experience, skills, and confidence working with employers through these programs.

1. CV Boosting
Opportunities
Boost your employability
and stand out from the
crowd!

2. WELCOME
We want you to make the most of your
time at university. That’s why we pride
ourselves on giving you a range of fun
and exciting opportunities to enhance
your skills, boost your employability and
help you stand out from the crowd.
Many employers say that a degree alone
is not the only thing they look for when
employing a graduate. Our co-curricular
activities not only help get you fully
involved in university life, but they also
help you build the experience you need
to succeed in the many and varied roles
you may undertake in your future career.
This booklet will tell you all about the
extra co-curricular activities you can
take part in while studying with us.

3. CONTENTS
Birmingham City University
Students’ Union page 3
Find out about the activities on offer at
your Students’ Union.
Employability Challenge Week
pages 4-7
A jam-packed week that will enhance your
skills and help you gain an insight into the
professional world. You can also win some
fabulous prizes.
The Leadership Challenge
pages 8-9
Take the opportunity to engage in real-life
business situations to improve your skills,
confidence and employability.
Placements pages 10-11
Undertake a business placement to
enhance your employability.
OpportUNIty – Student Jobs on
Campus pages 12-13
Our job shop can help you find part-time
work at the University in a variety of
different roles.
Student Engagement pages 14-15
Find out how to gain work experience,
develop your skills and increase
knowledge of your discipline – and get
paid for it.
International Travel Scholarships
pages 16-19
Discover our unique international travel
scholarships programme, which gives you
the opportunity to volunteer in a country
of your choice.
Erasmus pages 20-21
If you are interested in undertaking some
of your studies abroad, then Erasmus may
be of interest to you.

4. Your Students’ Union co-ordinates a huge
variety of extra-curricular activities. They
are a fantastic way to meet new people,
improve your employability and have lots
of fun.
Societies
There are over 60 societies, all led by
students, ranging from faith and belief,
academic and media to general interest,
performance and fundraising. If you can’t
find a society you’re interested in, then
why not set up your own? Your Students’
Union’s Development and Opportunities
department will support you every step
of the way, and as a group leader you will
be responsible for recruiting members,
organising events, budgeting and lots
more, all of which looks amazing on
your CV.
To view the full list of societies, visit
www.bcusu.com/societies.
Sports teams
There are over 20 British Universities
and Colleges (BUCS) teams and general
sport teams.
BUCS teams play competitively every
Wednesday against universities from
around the country and sports range
from football, rugby and netball to polo,
hockey, tennis and cricket. General
sports teams include extreme sports,
kickboxing, cheerleading, ballroom
and Latin dancing and lots more.
For a full list of sports, visit
www.bcusu.com/sports.
Volunteering
Your Students’ Union has a variety of
exciting volunteering opportunities,
including the sustainability project
Eco and Kids Adventure, which runs
week-long activities for children.
See bcusu.com/eco and bcusu.com/
kidsadventure for more information.
We also have links with Birmingham
Volunteer Service Council (BVSC).
For more information, visit
bcusu.com/volunteering.
BIRMINGHAM CITY UNIVERSITY STUDENTS’ UNION
3

5. Employability
ChallengeWeek
Employability
Challenge Week
4

6. 55

7. Entrepreneurship
thinking
Professionalism
in the workplace
Career
development
Effective
communication
skills
You will learn about:
- negotiating
- delegating
- leadership
- commercial awareness.
You will gain:
- organisation and time
management skills
- an appreciation of
constructive criticism
- self-reliance
- assertiveness.
You will build skills in:
- speaking and listening
- body language
- networking
- building rapport.
Activities will include:
- CV workshop
- mock assessment
centre
- psychometric
tests
- interview
processes.
EMPLOYABILITY
CHALLENGE WEEK
Employability Challenge Week is open to
all undergraduate students in the first and
second terms each year.
You will meet staff from across the
University, graduates and experts from
organisations such as Deloitte, Jaguar
Land Rover and Cogent Elliott, providing
you with an insight into the professional
world.
Fun challenges, talks, mock assessments
and CV workshops are just some of the
activities that will guide you through
the recruitment process for graduate
positions. You will also develop skills in
networking, team working, meeting short
deadlines, working under pressure and
presenting ideas, as well as building your
entrepreneurial skills.
Potential employers will provide valuable
feedback, helping you learn from your
experiences.
The skills and experiences you will
gain from Employability Challenge
Week
6

8. What our students say:
The support I received during Employability Challenge Week gave me the skills
necessary to get accepted onto a graduate programme.”
Lewis Barnes, BA (Hons) Business and Management
It was a week of meeting new people, making new friends and, for me, having the
opportunity to work with people I wouldn’t have had the chance to otherwise.”
Avanti Banerrji, BA (Hons) Marketing, Advertising and Public Relations
I would definitely recommend the business fair and employability workshop. I have learned
a lot about what employers look for and what makes you stand out from the crowd.”
Rohiel Khaliq, BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance
I would definitely tell anyone to make the most out of this week. It is a rare opportunity
presented to students to get a feel of the business world outside their comfort zone.”
Ally Hiriji, BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance
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9. The Leadership Challenge
There’s only so much you can learn about leadership in a classroom; real experience
is the very best way to boost your confidence and develop the skills employers
are really looking for. The Leadership Challenge is all about giving you fantastic
leadership experience and helping you demonstrate it to your employers by getting
involved in real-life business situations. You’ll be taken out of your comfort zone but
you’ll make friends and have fun at the same time.
“Think Share Create was a wonderful
opportunity to connect with your peers,
come together and work on amazing
innovative ideas. Because it was a short
workshop it encouraged each participant
to think outside the box and create
something truly amazing. It took me and
my team less than two hours to take
a wacky idea into something ready for
production. Think Share Create just went
to show that you can achieve and create
anything. No matter the timescale, you
can truly achieve anything.”
Jacqueline Maya, Think Share Create
Trophy winner, BA (Hons) Human
Resource Management
“Musikscool really gave me an insight
into what real teamwork is. Working with
a group of students that I had never met
before, and having to produce something
so creative was a challenge. But as the
day progressed we slowly found out
each other’s strengths and weaknesses
and made something great. We left
our differences at the door and took
ownership of the project.”
Shona Okeke, BA (Hons) Management
and Human Resource Management
8
TheLeadership
Challenge

10. We believe in pioneering cross-faculty
working – after all, out in the real world,
that’s precisely how you’ll have to work –
and you’ll team up with all kinds of people
from different courses and different
universities, and employers from large
and small companies. It’s a great way to
gain an insight into other perspectives.
Activities
You can participate in a number of events
as part of the Leadership Challenge.
Students from all over Europe compete
to manage a virtual company in the
European Business Masters Cup
Challenge. It’s all about thinking on your
feet to respond to live changes – whether
it’s a merger, a customer complaint or
a change in the market – and make the
decisions to keep the company growing.
Think Share Create is designed to provide
advice and guidance to those interested in
starting a business, including workshops
that give you the opportunity to work with
other students to build a business idea
from scratch.
Several of our students have taken up the
Musikscool challenge to write, record and
sell a CD in just one day.
Your academic success is just part of who
you are and what you can do. The Passport
to Practice e-portfolio is a fantastic way
to show employers that you’ve got more
than just a degree to offer. It is the perfect
complement to the Leadership Challenge:
a multimedia collection of evidence that
proves to employers exactly what you’re
made of. You can even use it alongside
your CV or LinkedIn profile for a full and
exciting portfolio that showcases all your
talents. Find out more at
www.passport2practice.bcu.ac.uk.
For more information about joining the
Leadership Challenge, please contact
Vanessa Clarke.
T: 0121 331 6228
E: vanessa.clarke@bcu.ac.uk
THE LEADERSHIP CHALLENGE
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11. Placements
Placements
10

12. Placements
There’s no better way to prepare for work
than to experience it first-hand; that’s why
we put so much time and dedication into
our Business Placements Scheme. It’s the
perfect way to gain a clear advantage over
the competition, building your experience
and your confidence by putting theory into
practice in a real business.
Who can do a placement year?
Each of our full-time degree courses
is available as a sandwich course with
a placement and we encourage every
student to take their third year as a
placement year – making the degree a
four-year course in total.
What kind of business placement
could I do?
We offer a number of exciting placement
opportunities in a range of companies
in both the private and public sector.
You might choose to undertake a
placement in an area near your home
or relocate and work in another UK city.
International placement opportunities
are also available. Job roles can vary,
but they generally cover marketing,
human resources, purchasing, finance,
operations, logistics and research.
Where will my placement take me?
Our placement students have worked
for a range of international and national
companies, including well-known leading
brands such as KPMG, Porsche, Sky and
Unilever. Our placement scheme is highly
regarded by employers, many of whom
return to us year after year.
How do I secure a business
placement?
Our dedicated Placements Office
advertises over 1,000 jobs. It is your
responsibility to secure a placement,
however placements staff are available
to support you throughout the whole
placement process to ensure that you are
familiar with the latest recruitment and
selection techniques.
How do I find out more?
Visit the Placements Office or contact
Helen Wright.
T: 0121 331 5460
E: helen.wright@bcu.a.uk
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13. OpportUNIty –
Student Jobs
on Campus
When you arrive at the University, you may be
looking for part-time work to earn money and
develop skills and experience that you can
use in your future career. Our ‘OpportUNIty
– Student Jobs on Campus’ initiative can
help you find part-time paid jobs with the
University in a variety of different roles.
You can sign up to the scheme and start
applying for jobs on campus as soon as you
join us, and you will receive feedback at
every stage of your employment experience,
from help with your interview technique or
CV writing to support in developing skills
related to your role. Your line managers will
provide evidence of the skills you gain as
time goes on, helping you to articulate your
employability to future employers.
Many students work with us as a Student
Ambassador, performing a vital role around
the University and helping out at Open Days,
Applicant Visit Days and school visits to
ensure they go smoothly and visitors get the
opportunity to gain a student’s view.
12
OpportUNIty–
StudentJobson
Campus

14. “I love working alongside
University staff and other
student ambassadors; it
is really rewarding. I enjoy
talking about the University
and my course, and helping students by
answering any queries and giving advice.”
Stacey Watkins, Student Ambassador
BSc (Hons) Information and
Communications Technology
“This has been an invaluable
experience to me – I’ve learned
a lot and it has been such a
brilliant opportunity. It’s taught
me a lot of professional skills
but as it’s not a very formal environment I
have really enjoyed it as well. The people I
work alongside are really nice so it’s been
a lot of fun.”
Abraham Adekoya, Administrative
Assistant in the International Office
BA (Hons) Accountancy and Finance
“I have gained almost nine
months of experience in a role
I wish to pursue. My writing
and editing skills have been
developed really well, which in
turn has helped me to be more clear and
concise in my university projects. I think it
has put me in good stead for the future.”
Sarah Holmes, Student Copywriter in the
Marketing Department
BA (Hons) English and Creative Writing
For further information:
T: 0121 331 7723
W: www.bcu.ac.uk/opportunity
OPPORTUNITY – STUDENT JOBS ON CAMPUS
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15. We encourage you to be our partners.
We want you to have a real impact on
your learning and teaching, and we
encourage meaningful conversations
between staff and students. Current
student engagement schemes include
Student Academic Partners (SAP) and
the Student Academic Mentoring
Programme (StAMP).
Over the years, these projects have led
to the employment of over 1,000 students
across the University and given them
the opportunity to influence change.
The schemes allow you to gain work
experience, develop skills, increase
knowledge of your discipline, increase
your sense of belonging and create
effective relationships with staff and
other students.
Student Academic Partners (SAP)
SAP is run in partnership with the
Students’ Union and provides a
mechanism to integrate students into the
academic community of the University.
It generates a sense of ownership and
pride in the institution and its courses and
encourages you to work collaboratively
with staff to strengthen learning and
teaching.
See a SAP project in action at
http://y2u.be/jn21lCkhkQU.
Student Academic Mentoring
Programme (StAMP)
StAMP was designed to support teams
seeking to improve the progression and
achievement of their students. Mentoring
gives you the opportunity to gain academic
support from more experienced students
under the guidance of academic staff.
Funding opportunities are announced
annually but you can approach us with
your ideas at any time.
For further information:
E: elgan.hughes@bcu.ac.uk
W: www.bcu.ac.uk/about-us/celt/
student-engagement
STUDENT ENGAGEMENT
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16. Student
Engagement
14
Student
Engagement

17. International
Travel Scholarships
Volunteering can have a positive impact on your employability
by providing access to a network of people and challenging
opportunities, aiding personal development, enhancing your
academic learning and fostering a proactive attitude.
Our Make a Difference Travel Scholarship Scheme assists first
and second year students to obtain funding of up to £1,200 to
participate in charitable projects in countries across the world,
including Mexico, Ghana, Nepal, Thailand, Vietnam, China, Zambia
and Uganda. Whatever the skills you have, there is something that
you can do and our students have helped build homes, taught in
orphanages, undertaken conservation activities, helped establish
social enterprises and worked with under-privileged children.
What employers say
A survey by national volunteering charity TimeBank showed that:
- 84 per cent of employers said that volunteering is a way to help
people find work
- 80 per cent of employers valued volunteering on a CV when
recruiting
- over 70 per cent of employers believed that those who volunteer
have a better chance of earning a higher salary and gaining a
promotion.
Source: TimeBank survey 2009.
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International
Travel
Scholarships

18. “I would say I gained a lot of experience which I would have not gained if I did not go.
Meeting new people, seeing new things and living in a different environment not only
made me step out of my comfort zone but made me think and value the things I take
for granted.”
Uzair Delair volunteered within an orphanage in Mexico
BA (Hons) Business and Finance
What our students say
17

19. “Volunteering is not a walk in the park; it is hard and very challenging. However I would
recommend anyone who wants to give back and grow as a person to give volunteering a
try; it will enrich your life for the better. Volunteering in Nepal has changed my life and
is an experience I will never forget.”
Jacqueline Maya volunteered in a school in Nepal
BA (Hons) Human Resource Management
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20. “The trip was personally very rewarding and I would recommend anyone considering
volunteering to visit Ghana as the people there are amazing and were all appreciative
of the donations and help given. I cannot thank you enough for your generosity in aiding
my trip and believe this opportunity for future students will only improve their outlook
upon life.”
Joshua Bentley volunteered in Ghana building schools
BA (Hons) Accountancy
More information please contact Nicole Riley:
T: 0121 331 6440
E: nicole.riley@bcu.ac.uk
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21. Erasmus
Study Abroad
Programme
20
Erasmus
StudyAbroad
Programme
I never figured I would love it so much. I think that an Erasmus exchange is
one of the things every student who wants to make the most of their time at
university should do. I met a lot of interesting people and had loads of fun.
Andrei Tui
BA (Hons) Marketing, Advertising and Public Relations
Erasmus exchange student, Copenhagen Business School

22. The Erasmus scheme enables higher
education students in 31 European
countries to study for part of their degree
in another EU country. It currently involves
nine out of evey 10 European higher
education establishments and supports
co-operation between the universities of
33 countries.
There are also opportunities to study in
the USA for one or two semesters in your
second year.
Erasmus offers a unique opportunity to
strengthen your foreign language skills,
enhance your CV, experience new cultures
and make new contacts and friends.
For information about which institutions
we have links with for each subject,
contact:
Dr Kathleen Dixon Donnelly, Birmingham
City Business School Study Abroad
Co-ordinator
E: kathleen.donnelly@bcu.ac.uk
Sarah Hopkins, Academics Partnerships
Office Administrator
E: sarah.hopkins@bcu.ac.uk
For more information about Erasmus,
visit www.britishcouncil.org/erasmus.
ERASMUS STUDY ABROAD PROGRAMME
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24. Keep up to date with what’s happening.
You can find us on Facebook, follow
us on Twitter and connect with us on
Linkedin.
/birminghamcitybusinessschool
@BCUBusiness
/company/bcbs