What if going to school guaranteed you a job?

by Sterling J. Scott, Marketing Communications Coordinator, MHI | @mhi_sterling

Going to college guarantees people many things – an education, new experiences, new friends and colleagues, opportunities to grow as a person – but it doesn’t guarantee people jobs. Though going to college increases the likelihood of finding a quality job and building a career, which are the main reasons why people go, going to college does not guarantee job placement. But what if it did?

For students at the University of Huddersfield in the NOVUS program, it does. Located in the United Kingdom, the University offers a Logistics & Supply Chain management program that guarantees employment after completion. Not only is employment guaranteed, but it is guaranteed within that field of study, which is one of growing importance and opportunity. In the first year, students tie courses in logistics and supply chain management. In the second year. they take more courses with a focus on developing analytical and project management skills. In the third year, students are placed in a salaried position to gain experience. In the fourth year, students return to school and focus on global strategy and advanced studies while developing leadership skills. After completion of the program, students are guaranteed a job.

The NOVUS program uses an education model that partners with businesses to educate students and provide opportunities for them while also eliminating talent shortages. The program serves as a model for potential partnerships between educational institutions and businesses worldwide. Businesses can develop the talent they need beginning in college. Universities can offer something that few others can – a guaranteed job. Students can graduate knowing that they will have immediate employment in their field. Everyone wins.

Careers in supply chain and logistics are in demand. Companies worldwide need the talent and are willing to pay for and develop it. As the need for talent grows, there may be more companies and universes willing to explore the model used in the NOVUS program. Also, there may be more businesses willing to invest in the development of their employees through training and assistance with continuing education. To learn more about trends in the supply chain industry, including the need for talent, read the U.S. Roadmap for Material Handling & Logistics. Be sure to join MHI’s Young Professionals Network (YPN) and connect with MHI on FacebookTwitter, and LinkedIn.

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