Project lead: Dr Mary McAlinden
This project sought to develop and run an employability event for final year Mathematics students, specifically designed to raise employability aspirations across the full spectrum of ethnicity, with a particular focus on BAME students. The event was planned and designed by a Staff Working Group, working in partnership with a Student Steering Group which acted in an advisory capacity. The event was timed to coincide with the end point of students’ undergraduate studies, and as such it was deliberately designed to be an end of study celebratory event.
The invited keynote speaker was Dr Nira Chamberlain, the President Elect of the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications, who has given his public lecture, The Black Heroes of Mathematics, across the UK and as part of Black History Month. In a highly inspirational talk, he raised awareness of the massive impact that can be achieved through a career in Mathematics. Other speakers included five alumni who willingly gave up their time to contribute to the event, through round table sessions and more formal talks. FDM also attended as employers. The event closed with a group photograph which was subsequently made available to students.