Business School students run college assessment centre

23 February 2012

Five Human Resource Management students designed, managed and ran a selection of assessment centres for South Sefton Sixth Form College.

This original world of work-centred collaboration was devised by LJMU's Lisa O'Farrell (Brokerage Officer) Paul Ireland (Widening Participation Account Manager) and Peter Cureton (HRM Lecturer in the Business School).

Participants at the Centre were college students studying for their A Level in Applied Business. The Assessment Centre gave the sixth formers, who are also studying aspects of HR practice, experience of attending a centre which will help them when they apply for jobs.

The Business School students gained significant understanding of what is required when they attend future centres, as well as learning about the complexity of designing assessment processes.

Peter Cureton commented:

"This was a great opportunity for our students to learn essential skills. I was delighted with the commitment of the students who ran a 'dress rehearsal' the day before and looked after their South Sefton guests all day. They were great ambassadors for LJMU."

Dr Frank McCann, Vice Principal of the College accompanied the students and said:

"This was a fabulous experience for your students who got to see how business actually works and to practise the skills they will need in the recruitment and selection process. It was an opportunity that inspired our young people to reach higher in their career path and the realisation of their dreams."

Melissa Rudd, HRM student who acted as the Centre manager said:

"The centre was well worthwhile. The experience has been hugely beneficial and I would recommend anyone who has the opportunity to take part on an assessment centre to do so. It has taken a lot of time and commitment to prepare which paid off with the day running smoothly."

The University's World of Work Careers Centre (formerly the Graduate Development Centre) runs support sessions about assessment centres and all undergraduates are encouraged to take advantage of them to be fully prepared when applying for jobs.

For advice and further information email: gdc@ljmu.ac.uk or call: 0151 231 8099