Boost your employability with a professional experience at Coventry University

A Coventry student has started on the path to a successful career by boosting her employability with real life experience as part of her master’s degree.

Coventry University now offers full time postgraduate students a unique chance to work with businesses or learn about the world of work through its Professional Experience module, and extended master’s programme.

Designed to help boost employability and get postgraduate students even more ready for the workplace in their chosen field, the scheme is already benefitting learners from all over the world.

Peace Burabari Bekee, who is studying for an MSc in Pharmacology and Drug Discovery with Professional Experience is now on a six-month placement at international company, Glaxo Smith Kline (GSK) – an opportunity which she said has already expanded her knowledge and given her a head start in employment.

The budding scientist from Nigeria is now keen to let prospective students know how much they could boost their employability through the specially designed courses.

“I have learned so much in such little time,” said Peace. “The placement has allowed me to experience a real-life professional system not just in the aspect of the lab but also having to go in time and plan a schedule for the day.

“The team at GSK is friendly and encourage team work as well as independent work in lab which is already increasing my confidence as a scientist. I really believe this internship will help to improve my interpersonal skills and my laboratory skills, and help as a means of networking.”

The new work-centred modules and are now available on a range of courses starting in January 2018 when students can undertake a degree-specific internship for six months to give them valuable experience of the workplace before they graduate.

All placements – whether paid or voluntary – are subject to a competitive application process with host organizations, and students are offered support with completing CVs and preparing for applications and interviews.

Alternatively, students can undertake campus-based professional experience which delivers the same skills and learning outcomes with tutors.

Phillip Gould, lecturer of Biotechnology MSc at Coventry University said: “It is becoming increasingly important for students to gain valuable and relevant professional work experience whilst at university to prepare them for a competitive workplace both here in the UK and abroad.

“At Coventry we are committed to ensuring our students are ready for the global workplace by providing something different to other master’s courses where the emphasis might not be so heavily focused on employability and real experience.”

Courses available with professional experience in January 2018 include:

• Biotechnology with Professional Experience MSc
• Global Health Care Management with Professional Experience MSc
• Molecular Biology with Professional Experience MSc
• Pharmacology and Drug Discovery with Professional Experience MSc

Find out more about postgraduate courses starting in January 2018 including the professional experience options.