Month: November 2024

Employer Digital Skills Profile Series – Week 7 – Chester Zoo

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Today is our final profile in the Employer Digital Skills Profile Series and it is from Chester Zoo. In their profile, Chester Zoo says that they value data literacy, especially Excel and working with large data sets. As well as digital problem solving within coding, knowledge of AI, and digital learning and creativity such as PowerPoint or MS Teams. See the resources below to help develop these skills:

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Company: Chester Zoo

Company Size: 1,000 people

Founded: 1931

Where is the company based: Chester but research and academic connections across the world

Examples of typical graduate roles:

  • Finance and Accountancy
  • Marketing
  • Creative Content Development
  • Education Ranger
  • Hospitality
  • Scientists and Lab Technicians
  • Guest Operations

Essential Digital Skills We Value:
Data Literacy – Statistical analysis ranging from managing excel all the way up to R coding, using coding language, working with large data sets, predictive modelling, understanding the influence of software and hardware, and data organisation.
Digital Problem Solving – Solve problems associated with R.
Digital Learning and Creativity – Digital training tools such as poll websites, embedding within PowerPoint presentations and MS Teams

Have you noticed any common weaknesses in the digital skills of graduates you employ?:
“This is a bit left field but the ethical awareness of using technology. We are a visitor attraction so we have to be careful of our processes and have ethical reviews. We have to be aware of GDPR, data protection and we have to think of the field of view of cameras and the impact of technology on animal welfare, from lights, noises and heat. What if that camera changes the water temperature? Also the practicalities, so we don’t have plugs everywhere or Wi-Fi and we work globally so that’s just a whole other element that needs to be considered.”

What would be your best advice for graduates?:
“Add as many bolt on courses as you can because we don’t expect you to know everything but if all the applicants have done similar degrees but nothing extra then there is nothing setting you apart.”

What do you look for in an employee?:
“One new thing we are looking into is AI so lots of our scientists work on large-scale camera tracking technology and we need grads to be ready for things that don’t yet eist. You have to be on top of you own learning and keep up to date with the latest tech developments. We also look for resilience to cope with changes, problem solving and ability to adapt quickly”.

Do you think graduates overlook digital skills in this area of work?
“Absolutely, a large chunk of our jobs are spent in front of a computer. We are not seeing university modules with enough emphasis on the tech we are using, whether that’s thermal imaging or R statistic as opposed to SPSS which isn’t really used in industry, so to be cutting edge when modules are only changing every 4-5 years is really tricky.”

Chester Zoo Website

Produced by the Student Digital Champions

DigiTip 45: Shift+F3 is on the case! A capitalisation shortcut ⌨

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If you have ever begun writing a sentence and realised, you were in the wrong case – this DigiTip is for you! Did you know that you can change the case of your word in Office 365 by selecting the text and then using Shift + F3? Watch the short video below to see this week’s DigiTip in action. 

To follow our DigiTips, subscribe to our Digital Skills Blog. Or alternatively, you can bookmark this webpage, where a new DigiTip will be added each week!  

Employer Digital Skills Profile Series – Week 6 – Aled Ellis & Co. Estate Agency

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Our sixth Employer Profile is with the estate agency Aled Ellis & Co. based in Aberystwyth. In the profile below, Aled Ellis & Co. state the importance of social media and marketing in their business as well as digital identity. View some resources below to develop these skills.

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Company: Aled Ellis & Co.

Company Size: 4 members in the core team

Founded: 1998

Where is the company based: Aberystwyth-based but covers from Tywyn down to New Quay across mid-Wales

Examples of typical graduate roles:

  • Sales negotiator
  • Admin assistant

Essential Digital Skills We Value:
Digital Identity – Very important to present a welcoming, helpful identity to clients and this extends to how prospective employees present themselves through their communication.
Digital Communication – Contact with vendors, buyers and sellers via email, WhatsApp and voice notes.
Digital Creation – Splice, Canva and other video editing software.

Did Covid change the company and the way it is run?:
“Before Covid we hardly used our WhatsApp group but now we use it all the time and it allowed us to work remotely which is something we still do. Another thing is being able to communicate with sellers abroad and that is only possible with video calls or messages.”

What are the key personal skills in Estate Agency?:
“For anyone who wants to go into any sales role then customer service is so important. Making sure that your client is 100% satisfied is the key. Communication skills are the most important part of our jobs. Some clients prefer to communicate via certain platforms, or only in Welsh, so being across all various different communication platforms and then being willing to communicate with clients in their preferred manner is great.”

Are there any digital skills weaknesses in your team?:
“Definitely social media. There was no social media presence when the business first started but now we do virtual tours, we post all our properties on Facebook and Instagram ad we have a YouTube channel. It is so key to the estate agency industry and the graduate generation are more up to date with using it, so to be able to have that ability to use social media, along with maybe marketing skills too, will go a long way.”

Do you think people overlook digital skills in estate agencies?:
“Without a doubt. As well as social media just being computer literate is so important. We use a system called Vebra to upload all of our properties and contacts so to be able to use and navigate these digital tools is vital. Being able to pick up a new system quickly will get you really far in our business!”

Aled Ellis Website

Produced by the Student Digital Champions

DigiTip 44: Make quick decisions in MS Teams with the polling feature 📊 

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There may be times when you’re in an MS Teams meeting, and you need to make a quick decision. It could be deciding when to hold your next group meeting or voting on which title to choose for a project report.  

If you need to create a poll once you’ve started your meeting, Teams offers a built-in polling feature. Watch the video below to learn how to set up your first poll. 

Please note: We suggest that you use Vevox, AU’s polling tool, if you’re looking to set up a poll in advance of your online meeting or session. 

To follow our DigiTips, subscribe to our Digital Skills Blog. Or alternatively, you can bookmark this webpage, where a new DigiTip will be added each week!

Your favourite blogposts in the last year! 🥇

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In the last year, the Digital Skills Team including the Student Digital Champions have published many blogposts covering a lot of digital topics and issues. Here are the top 5 blogposts from 2023/24! 

  1. My experience with Code First Girls: Read about one of our experiences in taking a course with Code First Girls and why you should consider joining a course too! 
  2. Begin a new chapter- Apps to help your reading habits: Learn more about the types of apps available to help encourage your reading habits as well as maintain your reading goals.  
  3. Take control of your phone with ScreenZen: Discover ScreenZen and how it can benefit you with a post by our Student Digital Champion after their digital detox.  
  4. Introducing the new AI coaching chatbot in LinkedIn Learning: In case you missed it – a new feature introduced on LinkedIn Learning where an AI coaching chatbot can now provide recommendations and help improve your LinkedIn Learning experience.  
  5. Digital Decluttering: A Student Guide To Organising your Digital Spaces: Clean up your digital spaces with some tips and tricks from our Student Digital Champion. 

To keep up to date with the Digital Skills Blog make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss any posts!  

Employer Digital Skills Profile Series – Week 5 – The BBC

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Our fifth Employer Profile is with the BBC. As stated in the profile below, the BBC host hackathon events that are usually coding based and also believe importance should be placed on digital wellbeing. As well, the BBC recommend using LinkedIn Learning to develop digital skills especially for future employability. View some resources below to help you in these areas:

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Company: British Broadcasting Cooperation (BBC)

Company Size: 21,000

Founded: 1922

Where is the company based: UK wide

Examples of typical graduate roles:

  • Apprenticeships
  • Software Engineer
  • User Experience Design
  • Various roles across:
    • Business
    • Project Management
    • Journalism
    • Production

Essential Digital Skills We Value:
Digital Problem Solving and Collaboration –
“Hackathon style events where people are put into teams and set a sort of challenge, usually coding based, in a set amount of time and then present your solution and there is usually a winning team so it is a very collaborative event”.
Digital Wellbeing –
“We encourage people to try and come into work where possible and HR run sessions about mental health and wellbeing and in particular work-life balance. Within the digital teams they are doing more of things called ‘10% times’ where every other Friday people are recommended to step away from work stuff and spend a day or half a day learning a new skill which could be digital skills or courses or anything else!”

What digital skills does the BBC look for in their employees and how can students show those skills?:
“Depends on the role really, the key is to be knowledgeable about current trends, for example being aware and having a knowledge of current software and [coding] languages. Our key question is “tell us why you are best for the role”, and that would be the best opportunity to display your knowledge and skill base. So mention any projects you have been involved in, particularly dissertation projects as they are often at the forefront of digital skills. But as important as digital skills are we can also teach those when someone is in the role so other personal skills and behaviours like collaboration are really important.”

What do you suggest to students to develop or improve on those skills?:
“Read the job description and if there is something you have not experienced before use something like LinkedIn Learning, Pluralsight or just YouTube even and try to then match the experience they are looking for by working on those skills yourself. Acknowledging something you have not got experience in is not a bad thing as long as you can say I am willing to learn it.”

What are you not seeing enough of in terms of these digital skills?:
“What I personally notice is the actual quality of the application as opposed to the specific skills that are missing. It feels that we have people coming out of university who have done some fantastic things, but they have got no experience or had no help in writing an application”.

BBC Careers Website

Produced by the Student Digital Champions

DigiTip 43: Change your work with Replace in Word 🔃

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There may be times where you need to replace a word you have used consistently throughout your work – this could be a name or a misspelled word. DigiTip 43 can show you how to quickly find and replace words. Either read the short step-by-step instructions or watch the video to learn how! 

  • In the top ribbon, select the ‘replace’ option. 
  • Enter the word you would like to replace in the ‘Find what’ section. 
  • Enter the word you would like to use instead in ‘replace with’. 
  • Choose the relevant option to you – replace and find next to change individual versions or replace all.  

Please note this will only work if the ‘find what’ word is spelt correctly.  

To follow our DigiTips, subscribe to our Digital Skills Blog. Or alternatively, you can bookmark this webpage, where a new DigiTip will be added each week!  

Employer Digital Skills Profile Series – Week 4 – Cogent Breeding UK Genetic Services

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Our fourth Employer Profile is with Cogent Breeding UK genetic services. Cogent UK place importance on knowing excel, being “data-savvy” and knowing basic digital proficiency and problem solving; learn more about developing these skills from the below resources.

Text Version

Company: Cogent Breeding UK

Company Size: 250 employees

Founded: 1995

Where is the company based: Based in Chester but operate UK-wide and internationally

Examples of typical graduate roles:

  • Lab Technician
  • Sales and Genetics Consultants
  • Admin Assistants

Essential Digital Skills We Value:
Digital Proficiency and Problem Solving – Proficiency with computer software, basic troubleshooting skills for the computers that run our sorting machines and an understanding of computer mechanics.
Digital Literacy – Proficiency in Excel for data management and analysis of customer and sample data.
Digital Communication – Ability to effectively communicate via email and other digital platforms.

Common Areas for Improvement:
“Many graduates, especially those from practical backgrounds such as in agriculture or animal science, may lack experience with data management tools like Excel. Graduates that work in the labs seem to have more data experience, so this may be an area that is overlooked in the more practical degrees.”

Where we recruit from:
“We have recruited graduates from a very diverse range of degrees such as chemistry, forensic science, microbiology and even wildlife conservation. We are open to any graduates as long as you have the right attitude, an interest in what you do, a willingness to learn and a keen attention to detail. “

What we look for in our employees:
“Our team is driven by a collective passion for agriculture and a deep understanding of the industry, and we look for the same in our new recruits. We’re seeking enthusiastic individuals who align with our core values, have integrity and a positive demeanour. If you’re outgoing, data-savvy, and eager to learn, we want you on our team.”

Cogent UK Website

Produced by the Student Digital Champions

DigiTip 42: Refine your search results with filters in MS Teams 🔎

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Teams has a useful search function, but it can sometimes produce too many results. To save you unnecessary time searching, you can utilise filters.

These filters allow you to search using specific criteria such as date, sender, and file type, helping you to quickly pinpoint the information you need!

Take a look at the screenshot below to learn how to use these filters ⬇

To follow our DigiTips, subscribe to our Digital Skills Blog. Or alternatively, you can bookmark this webpage, where a new DigiTip will be added each week!