What do you get if you put 30 students into a youth hostel for two days – an intense but lively event with a fun packed evening thrown in! That’s exactly what happened when Directors Sarah Goodwin and Fiona Murie facilitated a two-day workshop with Crime and Justice Students from Derby University. Dave Walsh, Subject Head of Criminology, wanted to give his students the best possible start when applying for jobs in the Justice Sector, and engaged InDepth to help him achieve this. The workshop helped students to gain self-awareness so they were clear about what motivated them, what their skills were and how they could add value. It also provided practical advice and techniques across the whole of the recruitment process, including understanding competencies, building an effective CV, completing job applications, interview skills and delivering effective presentations.Spending time focusing on themselves was a very different experience for all of the students. Although intense, the workshop was fun and at times energetic, particularly when the students designed a t-shirt to reflect their own personal brand. There were some inspirational designs reflecting strong values and a desire to achieve.

Fiona said, “the event was such a success and we are delighted that some people were inspired to make life-changing decisions. People were unsure at the start and couldn’t see why they were being asked to complete certain exercises. However, by the end of the first day everything started to click into place and people were motivated and eager to learn more”.

Both the students and the university gave praise for the event and it is hoped to be the first of many in the future. Dave Walsh commented "After just two days receiving support and guidance from the In-depth consultants, my students expressed both confidence and knowledge of the steps they needed to take to secure the careers that they desired. They felt better positioned to know how to present themselves as suitable candidates whether in writing CVs or in interviews themselves. Student feedback on the event was universally highly favourable".

Indeed it was, student Jodie Barton said “Thank you for all your help during the Hartington Hall event, I found all the information very useful.” Fellow student, Kim Rhodes commented “I had a brilliant time on the retreat on Wednesday and Thursday”.

To see some of the photo's from the event please click here.