Abstract

The Alternative CV was presented as an opportunity for students to present their professional narratives online to a panel of module and professional services staff.

As context, the Professional Practice Project is a core module on the 24-month MBA Professional Practice programme which includes a 12-month placement. The focus of semester one is professional competencies which is intended to help students prepare to search and apply for a placement which starts at the end of semester 2. Building on an earlier exercise (the Alternative CV), the Professional Pitches take place at the end of semester 1, providing pre-interview preparation and the opportunity to receive formative feedback from cross-institutional professionals (module leader, placement support team and faculty careers advisor). Interestingly, one student was asked to undertake a similar exercise as part of an interview process for a placement, supporting this as an authentic task.

As part of this module, students will search and apply for 12month placements which will include them going through interview processes such as presentations. Both the Alternative CV and the Professional Pitch together provide a scaffolded approach to building students’ confidence and competence at presenting themselves professionally.

The students were informed that a professional pitch is a short, well-crafted and impactful (but not rehearsed presentation) of themselves, including their strengths and what they are looking to do in the future in terms of a placement, and why. Each Professional Pitch is up to 5minutes, with 10 minutes available for formative feedback from the panel. Students are given the choice as to whether they would prefer to speak with or without a PowerPoint slide (limited to one slide) for assistance.

In terms of a loose structure, students are asked to consider the following:

An overview of professional and/or educational background

Highlights of professional knowledge, skills and experiences they have to offer an organisation

The type of placement they are looking for (industry/ organisation/ role) and what strengths they would bring to a placement.