Promoting employability skills development in a research‐intensive university

Abstract

PurposeThis study aims to consider the place of employability in universities, with a focus on research‐intensive institutions, and to outline an initiative that was introduced to promote employability skills development at the University of Nottingham.Design/methodology/approachFollowing a discussion of literature on the promotion of employability in higher education, the development of the “Inside Employment” initiative is outlined. The project was developed using an action research methodology.FindingsThe major findings from each cycle are outlined here, demonstrating the different factors that informed the programme's establishment.Practical implicationsThe paper makes a number of recommendations for developing opportunities for employability skills development in universities in general, and research‐intensive universities in particular.Originality/valueThe paper will be of value to those involved in developing employability initiatives in higher education, particularly at research‐intensive institutions.