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Introduction The AGCAS Professional Pathways are mapped out to support and enable the articulation of the professionalism of individual AGCAS members and the high standards of the higher education (HE) careers and employability profession.

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Please click on any of the letters above to find the corresponding theory. I have, as far as possible, classified theories using the different icons below. Classification is not always clearly possible or easy and some theories fall in between, or straddle, two or more categories. The categorisation I made is therefore slightly tenuous. It should fit in with the requirements for the Level 6 Qualification in Career Guidance, however.

Social Learning

Theories of deicsion making and avoidance

Community Interaction

Coaching Theories

This symbol indicates theories that would be of particular interest for those studying for the Level 6 Qualification in Career Guidance. Please be aware that these are not the only theories that apply and it would in my view be important to familiarise yourself with other theories as well. In addition to this, there is a specific question (Lo. 6.6.1 and 6.6.2) which focuses on new theories. I think it would also be important to focus on those theories that are specifically important or relevant to your specific work context (eg. working with children or specifically with adults).

As mentioned before, it is not my intention to offer an exhaustive explanation and analysis of each and every Theory. It's relatively easy to find that information on the many websites and in the many resources out there. It's my intention to offer something in addition to this, a useful summary that supports different learning styles and an exploration of the tools we can use with clients, linked to the different theories. I would also like to offer a succinct critique with each Theory to get you started. Especially if you are completing your Level 6 Qualification in Career Guidance and Development, it's imperative that you form your own critique and make up your own mind about each of the different theories you encounter. In addition, some tips for your research - Click/Tap for further information

Normally, none of us have access to a full academic library. The best most of us can hope for is a search on the web and the few books we have. Making your time on the web count is important and I hope the following will help with that:

If you are exploring a 'new to you' Theory, I would suggest starting with a picture search in google or similar. This wil normally bring up a visual representation of the Theory you are exploring. But... be careful you have the right one! This will hopefully give you a quick and easy way into a new Theory.

Wikipedia, however imprecise it is by reputation, is a good starting point to get to know more about theorists. Also don't forget the references at the bottom of every Wikipedia page, which can offer an excellent reading list for further exploration.

By adding the word 'scholar' or 'academic' behind your search term, you may have access to one of the many extracts of research texts that are available online. Another possible source of references, information and research could be book previews on websites like Amazon and co.

I have also added some useful links to websites about career Theory in the 'useful links' section of this part of the website.

​ ​ ​ ​

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Please click on any of the letters above to find the corresponding theory. I have, as far as possible, classified theories using the different icons below. Classification is not always clearly possible or easy and some theories fall in between, or straddle, two or more categories. The categorisation I made is therefore slightly [...]

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At Gradconsult, we love contributing to the conversation about the employability agenda and to share insights from our work with university careers services and employers.

We have featured on a number of platforms such as Wonkhe, HEPI and The Guardian, we also regularly post articles here on LinkedIn, but thought it would be helpful to collate a number of our most popular articles about the careers landscape in one place.

We hope you find it to be a useful resource, please feel free to share with colleagues and stakeholders.
Articles and resources by Gradconsult:
What is next for careers services? | LinkedIn This article outlines 7 key themes that we have seen emerging through our extensive work with careers services and through many detailed discussions with careers leaders across the UK.

We need to talk about placements... | LinkedIn Placements and internships are a crucial part of the employability agenda, but it is vital to recognise their limitations. This article explores the challenges we are seeing in the market and some of the alternative models that are emerging!

Could this be why students fall down in graduate recruitment processes? | LinkedIn Students are brimming with skills, ideas and potential. So why is this not always fully reflected in graduate recruitment processes? This article explores how a well-known cognitive bias could impact students' performance and what they can do to improve their success rates.

Employability Lab 2023 All the videos, slides and related resources from the fantastic Employability Lab featuring talks on wellbeing, graduate transitions, the psychology of work, inclusive curriculum, student engagement, unleashing creativity from a stellar cast of speakers.

How can we help academics engage with the employability agenda? (Wonkhe) As targets are set on employability and graduate outcomes, Mike Grey asks how academics can be supported to engage in the agenda.

Where do graduates belong in a hybrid world? | Luminate (prospects.ac.uk) There has been a general shift towards hybrid working but little guidance on what this means for graduates and how employers and universities can support them, Annie Gainsborough explores the challenges and opportunities.

The Employability Lab 22 A playlist of recordings of the fantastic sessions from our inaugural Employability Lab Conference exploring innovations in the sector hosted in partnership with Handshake attended by delegates from over 80 universities. Featuring incredible keynotes from Dr Naeema Pasha and Dr Mark Peace.

Graduate Outcomes and the future world of work | Luminate (prospects.ac.uk) Gabi Binnie explores how the snapshot of the past provided by Graduate Outcomes data can inform the support required by the students and graduates of the future.

The transition from education into employment Rebecca Fielding explores the challenges of navigating the rough seas of moving out of education and into the professional world.

Let's stop pretending passion is a prerequisite of embarking on a successful career We believe that 'passion' is potentially the most overused word in careers and recruitment. This article explores how this could alienate many students and potentially limit career exploration.

The tyranny of Graduate Outcomes | LinkedIn Careers services have a pivotal role but there is not always causation between careers service provision and Graduate Outcomes; in this article I explore some of the other factors that influence performance and ask if there is ever a good Graduate Outcomes result for a careers service?

The rapid evolution of employer engagement | LinkedIn Employer engagement is at a crossroads. At this stage, and given the tumultuous times that we are experiencing, it would be a fool's errand to confidently predict exactly how things will develop but here is an overview of some of the key trends that we have started to see emerging.

The shame, guilt and disappointment of graduate job hunting | LinkedIn Rebecca reflecting on recent Student Minds research and the importance of having an honest dialogue about the realities of the graduate recruitment.

Employer engagement in the curriculum is crucial to delivering social mobility Widening participation students disproportionally self-select out of traditional career development activities, this article explores how more equitable career development can be delivered through engaging employers through the curriculum.

The placement panacea Exploring the growth of sandwich degrees, the challenges of successfully delivering these schemes at scale and the importance of considering alternative models which can deliver similar impact. (HEPI)

Seeking simple solutions to complex problems: The careers conundrum The employability agenda can appear simple until you fully consider the complex challenges across the market, there are no silver bullet solutions. (HEPI)

Course does not (usually) equal career - let's celebrate Instead of trying to deny the fact that course doesn't usually lead to career, we should be celebrating it. The UK graduate market is uniquely non-linear, this creates challenges for universities but supports student choice. (Wonkhe) Shortlisted for Wonkhe Awards 2019

Generation P for Perfection Research suggests there is a significant rise in the number of student age people in the UK with perfectionist traits, this could have profound implications for careers provision and graduate recruitment. (Wonkhe) *Winner of Outstanding Policy Analysis - Wonkhe Awards 2018

Growth Mindset Webinar (Prospects Future You Series) Gradconsult founder, Rebecca Fielding, explains all things growth mindset.

Students are not 'lacking resilience' - they need more support Gabi Binnie argues that resilience has become an overused and misused word and that can have serious implications for universities and students (The Guardian)

Has employability become a toxic brand? Employability is an often misunderstood and derided term, but it should be central to a universities mission. It is everyone's responsibility, but the careers service are the institutional experts that are best placed to drive the agenda. (Wonkhe) *Shortlisted for Outstanding HE Commentary - Wonkhe Awards 2018

'Students as partners in careers delivery' conference #SAPC20 This is the resources portal with all presentations, resources and recordings of this fantastic conference delivered in partnership with Handshake focussing on peer to peer initiatives in careers services and beyond. Featuring Christine Cruzvergara, Charlie Ball, Stephen Isherwood plus many careers service leaders, awesome students and employers such as PWC, FDM and Enterprise.

Re-imagining campus engagement Rebecca explores some of the challenges and opportunities arising from a shift to digital delivery and the impact of campus engagement for employers.

Virtual recruitment: opportunities and challenges Insight paper from virtual discussion hosted with Handshake and professionals across the sector.

Developing skills and experience in a time of reduced demand Insight paper from virtual discussion hosted with Handshake and professionals across the sector.

Has the time come for peer to peer career development? A DfE report on career planning highlighted how influential the academic voice is to students career development but what attracted less attention, and is perhaps more interesting to consider, is how peer influence can be better harnessed.

Mental Health and Graduate Employment Insight paper from our community of practice event hosted with Student Minds.

Connecting students and employers in a virtual world This is an insight paper that we developed in partnership with Handshake UK reviewing an online discussion we hosted with 150 professionals from across the sector.

Cracking SME culture, one innovation at a time Nottingham Trent University's ground breaking 'Innovation Community Lab', a jewel in the university's suite of services and events created to meet the needs of their local SME community.

How can universities improve their graduate outcomes and employers double their applicant pool? Despite the urbanisation of graduate jobs, one key barrier exists for many students that is not currently being addressed by either universities or employers.

What a comedown - SU Officers in the departure lounge This article explores the unique challenges faced by SU Officers transitioning into the graduate labour market and how they could potentially be better supported. (Wonkhe)

Should careers services do less? The importance of careers services ensuring they are targeting their resources where they can have most impact.

Don't make your careers services the dream crushers! The UK graduate labour market is predominantly non-linear, and most employers are degree agnostic, is this a message understood by policy makers, academic staff and ultimately students?

Graduate Outcomes: Necessity is the mother of invention The new Graduate Outcomes presents new challenges and new opportunities. (Wonkhe)

This rise of the employer engagement professional Just like careers advice; proactive, agile and well-resourced employer engagement provision is critical to achieving positive outcomes for students.

The true value of placement and careers staff Careers and placement staff are often considered to be an expensive cost to a university, this article argues they have the potential to positively impact a wide range of institutional metrics.

The big careers service revenue generation debate As universities seek to move beyond transactional relationships and develop more deep partnerships with employers, is the traditional revenue generation model under threat?
Bonus podcasts and TED Talk:

Great University and Employer Partnerships - Mike and Rebecca on the Early Careers Podcast Ellen on the New Normal podcast discussing SMEs and the need to be agile How influencing theory can be applied to the employability agenda - Mike on the PlaceNet Podcast The work ready graduate conundrum - Mike's TEDx Talk
As always we would be interested in your thoughts and comments.

Feel free to get in touch to find out more about our work at mike@gradconsult.co.uk and 07402 029932.

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Brain Food for Careers Services by Gradconsult

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At Gradconsult, we love contributing to the conversation about the employability agenda and to share insights from our work with university careers services and employers. We have featured on a number of platforms such as Wonkhe, HEPI and The Guardian, we also regularly post articles here on LinkedI

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Review whether our service model and offers are evidence-based and link with theory

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Review whether our service model and offers are evidence-based and link with theory

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The different models of careers service - consolidated vs integrated

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Facing some similar challenges despite different service sizes

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Facing some similar challenges despite different service sizes

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Using career theories for direction/as a compass

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Using our engagement data more intelligently to better inform our future delivery i.e. are there things we could be doing less of/more of?

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Using our engagement data more intelligently to better inform our future delivery i.e. are there things we could be doing less of/more of?

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Pestle, models of service, different/similar challenges

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Pestle, models of service, different/similar challenges

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Undoing Borders

It is wrong to criminalise the movement of vulnerable people. Especially when their displacement is the result of our global political and economic system. We are a student movement fighting for the full political, social and economic rights of all migrants, and for a borderless world.

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It is wrong to criminalise the movement of vulnerable people. Especially when their displacement is the result of our global political and economic system. We are a student movement fighting for the full political, social and economic rights of all migrants, and for a borderless world.

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A new set of principles has been created to help universities ensure students and staff are 'AI literate' so they can capitalise on the opportunities technological breakthroughs provide for teaching and learning.

The statement, published today (4 July) and backed by the 24 Vice Chancellors of the Russell Group, will shape institution and course-level work to support the ethical and responsible use of generative AI, new technology and software like ChatGPT.

Developed in partnership with AI and educational experts, the new principles recognise the risks and opportunities of generative AI and commit Russell Group universities to helping staff and students become leaders in an increasingly AI-enabled world.

The five principles set out in today's joint statement are:

Universities will support students and staff to become AI-literate.

Staff should be equipped to support students to use generative AI tools effectively and appropriately in their learning experience.

Universities will adapt teaching and assessment to incorporate the ethical use of generative AI and support equal access.

Universities will ensure academic rigour and integrity is upheld.

Universities will work collaboratively to share best practice as the technology and its application in education evolves.

The statement of principles comes shortly after the UK Government launched a consultation on the use of generative AI in education in England.

Commenting, Chief Executive of the Russell Group Dr Tim Bradshaw said:

"AI breakthroughs are already changing the way we work and its crucial students get the new skills they need to build a fulfilling career. University staff also need support as they look at how AI can be used to enhance their teaching and help bring subjects to life.

"This is a rapidly developing field, and the risks and opportunities of these technologies are changing constantly. It's in everyone's interests that AI choices in education are taken on the basis of clearly understood values.

"The transformative opportunity provided by AI is huge and our universities are determined to grasp it. This statement of principles underlines our commitment to doing so in a way that benefits students and staff and protects the integrity of the high-quality education Russell Group universities provide."

Read the principles in full below

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New principles on use of AI in education

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A new set of principles has been created to help universities ensure students and staff are 'AI literate' so they can capitalise on the opportunities technological breakthroughs provide for teaching and learning.

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https://www.agcas.org.uk/knowledge-centre/247fa3a8-6b29-47de-8c33-6636da308d9d

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AGCAS shareds expertise in student career development and graduate employment through a growing research programme. We also produce expert careers information and advice for students and graduates hosted by our external partners.

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Understanding Student and Faculty Incivility in Higher Education

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Understanding Student and Faculty Incivility in Higher Education

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https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1092106.pdf

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Individual Student Experience (which encompasses academic success and their own targets and ambitions, whether that is job success/language & cultural enhancement/transformational career leap.)

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Show our impact and evidence of our work -> Influence for decision making in term of policy, budget, etc

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Show our impact and evidence of our work -> Influence for decision making in term of policy, budget, etc

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GOS is important to demonstrate the positive outcomes of our students.

It shows we deliver a good service to students to benefit them now and longer term

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To ensure that students are getting value for money, both in the student experience, the opportunities open to them and importantly so that they leave with a skill set and degree qualification that will help them pursue a meaningful career!

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To ensure that students are getting value for money, both in the student experience, the opportunities open to them and importantly so that they leave with a skill set and degree qualification that will help them pursue a meaningful career!

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Ensures all service users receive same level of service

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Able to track improvement and notice areas for improvement when working within expected standards

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Able to track improvement and notice areas for improvement when working within expected standards

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We use graduate outcomes - negative aspect of this is it doesn't include our international student outcomes

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To ensure we offer a good service that students benefit from 

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To ensure we offer a good service that students benefit from 

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Graduates getting into 'highly skilled' employment is our biggest measure of whether or not we're providing a quality service, however, many graduates get into their chosen careers and are pleased with the success, but their particular role is not considered highly skilled by HESA. For example, many jewellery roles.

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Quality matters as I want to have a positive impact on the students, academics and other stakeholders that I work with

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How you can use it for so many aspects of work.

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Important to face AI positively and see the benefits as well as the limitations.

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Review how our current Careers service use data and internal measure

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Review how our current Careers service use data and internal measure

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Looking at AI and similarities in challenges

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Looking at AI and similarities in challenges

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Explore about about AI and how is can support our work.

Similar challenges faced across the HE sector

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It's important to gain a better understanding of the benefits of AI and how it can be a positive tool for both us as a service and our students.

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Challenges but also benefits of working with stakeholders

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Challenges but also benefits of working with stakeholders

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Interesting to consider how to measure it with respect to our service.

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Make use of data to improve quality of service and provide personalised support

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Make use of data to improve quality of service and provide personalised support

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making connections with fellow career professionals

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making connections with fellow career professionals

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Good to meet other professionals and discuss what they do and how they deal with challenges.

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I previously (ignorantly) ignored AI but I can now see the benefits to us and our students

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I previously (ignorantly) ignored AI but I can now see the benefits to us and our students

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The different stakeholders

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Student engagement and some of the ideas generated around how to improve this.

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PESTLE analysis and key challenges of Careers Services 

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PESTLE analysis and key challenges of Careers Services 

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Hearing that we are all facing similar challenges despite the numbers of students we support and the sizes of our teams

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For all of us they are slightly different, depending on our role, the institution, our student cohort, differing pressures etc. But very similar themes and great to know we are all facing them together. A really good chance to reflect and think about possible solutions!!