Flying Start Focus Group #2 by Robbie Fox

Feedback on previous FS editions (wall exercise)

rf6872_ — 2024-05-15 16:49:53 UTC

rf6872_ — 2024-05-15 16:51:42 UTC

Starting editions with topics or titles rather than large opening paragraph - perhaps title, then 'in this edition' then follow up opening sentences. This comment/suggestion came up repeatedly.

rf6872_ — 2024-05-15 16:58:08 UTC

The top of the page opener 'why you are receiving Flying Start' is too small print and not clear enough. Some students did not realised it was a targeted newsletter and would potentially have engaged even more if they did!

rf6872_ — 2024-05-15 16:59:29 UTC

Potentially having the 'in this edition' highlighted even more specifically. Some feedback that hyperlinks give it a messy presentation. Some feedback that some students couldn't make out which parts of the newsletter are links and which aren't....led to some students feeling they had missed out - could explain our formatting?

rf6872_ — 2024-05-15 18:41:17 UTC

Some images included don't feel relevant!

rf6872_ — 2024-05-15 18:45:03 UTC

Lots of students like the spacing out of items and date and time in bold. They praised the consistency of this between newsletters. The clarity of this formatting was complimented and made it feel inclusive. Consider highlighting other key words/phrases in bold also or another colour. Lots of students skimming the newsletter and this makes it easier to do so.

rf6872_ — 2024-05-15 18:52:51 UTC

Potentially include more detail about vacancies such as expected application/selection process, relevant skills needed, etc. These are by far most clicked items consistently.

rf6872_ — 2024-05-15 18:55:33 UTC

Students mentioned liking 93% Club content. Follow up comments included having references and contacts of student societies - potential guest editions/openers?

rf6872_ — 2024-05-15 19:00:33 UTC

Virtual opportunities could be listed separately from campus opportunities?

rf6872_ — 2024-05-15 19:03:02 UTC

Feedback that having networking opportunities/content was important and useful.

What does Flying Start mean to you? (wall exercise)

rf6872_ — 2024-05-15 19:06:56 UTC

rf6872_ — 2024-05-15 19:10:58 UTC

A head start - a booster to those who need it

rf6872_ — 2024-05-15 19:12:22 UTC

An easier start, although not without challenges - I have participated in a few things because of it.

rf6872_ — 2024-05-15 19:13:08 UTC

Careers Service opportunities - targeted to disadvantaged students

rf6872_ — 2024-05-15 19:13:58 UTC

One foot in the door before leaving Uni - making transition easier

rf6872_ — 2024-05-15 19:14:50 UTC

Amazing opportunities - I was able to take part in the Bristol Mentors scheme :-)

rf6872_ — 2024-05-15 19:16:38 UTC

Starting off on the right foot, with direction and aims.

rf6872_ — 2024-05-15 19:17:33 UTC

Getting ahead and moving forward.

rf6872_ — 2024-05-15 19:18:24 UTC

A Careers Service that caters for you and cares for you.

What would you like to see from a regular careers newsletter to support your planning? (wall exercise)

rf6872_ — 2024-05-15 19:22:56 UTC

rf6872_ — 2024-05-15 20:20:53 UTC

Advice on planning your year and a timeline

rf6872_ — 2024-05-15 20:21:59 UTC

Upcoming central programme events coming up that week/fortnight - as per Your Career

rf6872_ — 2024-05-15 20:23:05 UTC

Advice and ideas on funding streams. Students unable to access unpaid and even paid opportunities due to expenses.

rf6872_ — 2024-05-15 20:24:17 UTC

Include more networking opportunities and advice as these are really important - i.e. employers and alumni

rf6872_ — 2024-05-15 20:24:58 UTC

Make them more subject specific - and not the major subject areas such as law or engineering

rf6872_ — 2024-05-15 20:28:59 UTC

Always signpost to how and where students can get started as well as how long different opportunities are available for!

rf6872_ — 2024-05-15 20:31:35 UTC

Potentially separate different content for different year groups

How can a newsletter help you overcome some of the challenges you face with your career planning? (table discussion)

rf6872_ — 2024-05-15 20:33:19 UTC

rf6872_ — 2024-05-15 20:37:01 UTC

Can help students plan ahead and not have to be so reactive - avoid the 'fear of missing out' factor!

rf6872_ — 2024-05-15 20:38:13 UTC

Good tone and language - balance of formality. Students don't want to be coached or patronised.

rf6872_ — 2024-05-15 20:39:25 UTC

Potential opportunities and funding that remove barriers - i.e. grants and scholarships

rf6872_ — 2024-05-15 20:40:49 UTC

Encouraging engagement from Flying Start students when they are available and we perhaps think they are not - i.e. many more around during holiday times such as September, January and Easter break.

What are the biggest challenges you face in your career planning and steps towards your future? (table discussion)

rf6872_ — 2024-05-15 20:42:03 UTC

rf6872_ — 2024-05-15 20:45:07 UTC

Lack of pre-existing networks to utilise and an increased awareness of how other peers have much better access to many!

rf6872_ — 2024-05-15 20:46:00 UTC

Having confidence with decision making - always feeling unsure and going back and forth with ideas and options.

rf6872_ — 2024-05-15 20:47:39 UTC

Lack of awareness and information. Being afraid of what I don't know! 'the unknown' - being blindsided by assessment centres or aptitude tests, etc.

rf6872_ — 2024-05-15 20:49:04 UTC

Being unsure of where to even start! Overwhelming amount of information!

rf6872_ — 2024-05-15 20:54:11 UTC

Awareness of the rat race. Key to gain work experience and skills but hard to compete when time needs to be spent on studies and part-time work to pay for university life.

rf6872_ — 2024-05-15 21:13:54 UTC

'Pressure' - from self and from peers. Feeling overwhelmed. First generation in family and wanting to make people proud.

rf6872_ — 2024-05-15 21:43:01 UTC

Students liked pictures and videos to help break text up :-)

rf6872_ — 2024-05-15 21:44:19 UTC

Like that it is personalised and addressed to me - I am more likely to read it :-)

rf6872_ — 2024-05-15 21:48:37 UTC

Having sections that link you back to contacting/engaging with the careers service directly - possible even opportunity to book an appointment

rf6872_ — 2024-05-15 21:50:07 UTC

Facilitating peer support

rf6872_ — 2024-05-15 21:51:05 UTC

De-mystifying what the careers service is about and what it can offer.

rf6872_ — 2024-05-15 21:52:16 UTC

Community - help you feel like you are not on your own

rf6872_ — 2024-05-15 21:55:09 UTC

Language Careers Service uses is for 'people who already have it together'

rf6872_ — 2024-05-15 21:57:10 UTC

Careers planning is another big adjustment in an already strange new world.

rf6872_ — 2024-05-15 21:58:08 UTC

Not too London centric! - lots of paid and unpaid opportunities from there!

rf6872_ — 2024-05-15 22:04:21 UTC

Highlight more non-traditional career routes. Students feel this is a careers service weakness. Potential role models and routes that are irregular.

rf6872_ — 2024-05-15 22:06:49 UTC

Support and motivation - 'wherever you are on your journey it is OK'

rf6872_ — 2024-05-15 22:09:43 UTC

Signpost to staff and make it more approachable 'rather than no reply'. Make it feel more inclusive and that people can just drop in and say hi rather than need to have a specific question.