Employers who actively recruit researchers help to point the way. For many, the key lies in involvement - building a wider relationship with a university or research institution and getting to know individuals at an early stage in their studies.
Getting involved with university departments and supporting faculties with their careers events raises students' awareness of your organisation and what you can offer. Providing placements and internships allows employers to see postgraduate researchers "in action" and better understand what strengths they in general and the individuals in particular can bring to the organisation.
Employers have also developed a range of initiatives and approaches to supplement their standard recruitment processes. These vary from using specialised agencies or assessment centres to find the right people, to offering salary incentives or accelerated career progression.
Vitae's publications provide more information on different approaches to postgraduate recruitment and employers can discuss recruitment strategies and issues within Vitae Employer Network.
The Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services (AGCAS) provides opportunities for employers to meet researchers, with a full programme of conferences, career fairs and events at universities throughout the UK.
‘The University of Nottingham has around 2,400 postgraduate research students. Our Graduate School works with City Councils and PCTs and our students complete placements on projects of local concern. Our Graduate Centres arrange internships with larger companies and with SMEs. Nottingham postgraduates have supported major regional regeneration projects and conducted strategic assessments, gaining valuable hands-on experience and helping the university raise its profile in the wider community ’
Tessa Payne, Head of the Graduate School, University of Nottingham