Capitalising on the Learning Curve

by Emma Ford

The Royal Bank of Scotland’s Career Start Study reports that attracting and retaining the best graduates is one of the biggest challenges facing employers and that more than a third (36%) of students with a job offer are still looking for other opportunities. Coaching specialist, Emma Ford explains how organisations can use coaching to overcome graduate promiscuity…

How would you feel as a graduate if the day you were offered a job you were also offered your own coach, an independent ear to help you through the transition ahead? Coaching can make graduates immediately feel valued.

The coach knows the culture and values of the organisation and also offers a ‘safe place’for a graduate employee. Done well,the relationship can continue into the graduate’s formative years within the organisation, offering continuity and support for a successful career.

Coaching energises and motivates, encouraging people to have self-awareness and understand themselves, and increasing performance in life and work. The role of the coach is to support the agenda set by the client and to act as a partner. By listening, reflecting and questioning, the coach can offer encouragement and support - as well as challenging processes - to help the client to find his or her own solutions. Having someone objective to talk to can add great value when problems and challenges arise.

Further down the recruitment chain, attracting the talented graduate you have met on campus to your organisation can also be achieved by providing a coach to help them manage the pressure of exams and job applications. Being ahead of the game and offering personal one-to-one support is often a welcome help for stressed out graduates.

Similarly, if you offer your intern a job after their placement, how do you ensure that they look no further and are committed to your organisation? A coach can support the intern through their placement and their final year at university, ensuring that in their mind your organisation is the only one they want to work for.

As Simon Broomer, Career Development and Job Search Specialist, comments,“Coaching others is now a very valuable skill in the workplace - whether you are managing just one person or a large team. Having someone to coach you will give you an insight into what input from your manager most helps you to develop your skills and progress in your career.”

Benjamin Wilde, BWT Chartered Physiotherapist at Southampton Football Club is one graduate who has reaped the rewards.“It has helped me to plan my career path effectively and uniquely and has challenged my thinking on how to present myself both on a professional and personal level. I would recommend it for anyone who knows what they want from life but needs a little help and guidance achieving it.”

Of course, it’s not just graduates who benefit. The coaching process can help companies develop a keen and motivated campus workforce who are ready, willing and able to deliver when they join the organisation - and that’s priceless.

To find out more about coaching in relation to the attraction and retention of graduates visit
www.emma-ford.com or email Emma@emma-ford.com
Emma Ford formerly managed BP’s selection tools and process for interns and graduates in the UK and Europe, and managed BP’s educational programmes in the UK.