Interview with Cristina Martinez on the Essentials Program

What is the Essentials program?
The Career Essentials program aims to accompany students from degree program until they enter the working world, providing them with the necessary tools and skills to find internships and employment, and to face selection processes. It is divided into three modules: self-knowledge, branding staff and selection process.

How did the Essentials program come about?
The labor market is constantly changing. That's why the University wants to prepare its students as well as possible to successfully make the leap into the world of work. In a work session with the Career Services counterpart team at IESE Business School, we saw a lot of value in their Essentials program and decided to adapt it for all Degree students at the University.

Who is it aimed at?
Last academic year 2020-21, it was launched in the School of Philosophy and Letters. After the success of this pilot test , the Schools of Sciences, Communication and Education and Psychology will also offer the program to their students from this course, which is offered from Career Services to all centers. The transversal nature of the program allows students from different centers to be connected in the training sessions. And, in turn, the specific needs of each profile are covered through workshops.

What are the benefits for a student student who takes this program?
Incorporating these contents from the first year financial aid students to program and dimension their professional preparation. They will take the leap into the working world in an organized and well-prepared way. The student will have all the tools and skills to find work in a fast, agile and satisfactory way, eliminating fears and barriers in this jump to the professional world.

To take this program is to bet on early professional success. To take this program is to generate your brand, your brand staff as a differential value.

I always say the same thing to my students when they start with the final interview phase of work why do you think a business would choose you and not your colleague next door? That's where you introduce the Essentials program as a competitive advantage.

How can a student enroll, and what requirements they meet?
Students at the School of Science have direct access via their ADI from the start of the semester. They begin their professional training from the moment they step into the classroom.

How can teachers contribute to its implementation?
Teachers, coordinators or advisors are our main ally. Without them, this program would not make sense, as they are our best ambassadors when it comes to helping students by recommending it when they ask for their advice.

Will there be information sessions for students and teachers at School?
Yes, during these weeks several information sessions have been organized for students. The last one was held on Thursday, September 23rd in online format (Zoom). The managers of the different Schools are at the disposal of students and teachers to answer any questions they may have regarding this program.

What experiences do you have of the pilot test carried out at School of Philosophy and Letters last year?
Last year we launched it in the School of Philosophy and Letters and it had so much acceptance and interest that we wanted to join it. Here are some of data from that time:

- More than 200 students participated.

- Very high participation of 1st year students.

- The most valued sessions were: self-knowledge, CV, internship search, practical workshops on interview simulation and dynamics of group.

- 79% of the surveyed participants believe that it has been useful to have access and availability of all the material on the virtual classroom .

- 94% believe Essentials has helped them better search for internships this summer.

- Student participation in training sessions on employability increased by 75% in the 20-21 academic year (implementation of Essentials) with respect to the previous year.

Supplementary material

Programming:

Stage 1: Self-knowledge: October 5

Stage 2: Brand staff:

- Preparing a good CV: October 19
- What is Linkedin: October 26

Stage 3: Selection processes:

- Search for internships and employment: November 2
- Interviews on work: November 9

In addition, the School of Science a fourth phase focused on career readiness through Science Career Week. This year, it will take place on October 6, 7, 13, and 14.

Videos:

   -From students:

   -From managers: