Career Readiness for the Global Workforce

In the first week, students worked in small teams directly with local companies to coordinate an industry-specific sporting event. The events varied in focus from football to outdoor adventure. For NexGen Careers, there was an immediate challenge in hosting a program in a smaller, more remote location. This was especially difficult considering only two weeks were allocated to design and execute the program. Nonetheless, the NexGen team saw this as a valuable opportunity, allowing students to work outdoors. For students, working for an international company was challenging as it placed them outside their comfort zone. This difficulty was prominent especially considering the language barrier, as the clients operated in Spanish and the solutions provided were tailored towards the Spanish market. Nonetheless, the partnering businesses were very understanding and proactively engaged with students to aid their development, by sharing information from the business.

“Working for a client taught me good communication skills and more transferable skills such as leadership and public speaking.”

– Leah Amphlett

Students utilized critical thinking in conducting research to thoroughly understand their client’s market position, the key objectives, and the target audience. This allowed for creative solutions, to ensure their client could utilize the event to solve problems they may be facing and gain a competitive edge. The week concluded by teams presenting the project’s results, including the concept, design, and logistical operations of the event. This was hugely fulfilling for students to see their plans come to life. Throughout the event coordination, coaches were “really helpful and supportive.”

The second week focused on integrating project ideas with social enterprise development. The importance of this week was to highlight that irrespective of companies’ size or turnover, social, environmental, and economically sustainable practices should be implemented. Students creatively demonstrated how sports can be utilized to consistently achieve wider sustainable strategies, notably meeting targets aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The week was spent synthesizing research into a presentation, which was subsequently submitted to a panel of experts and teachers to select a winning team based on five core criteria. Many students found public speaking initially challenging, but the NexGen coaches delivered presentation workshops to empower them to pitch confidently. This week produced innovative and diverse proposals. For example, one idea focused around designing a football league for army veterans suffering with PTSD. Alternatively, another team proposed the production of vegan sports gear with the aim of mitigating against animal extinction. 

Overall, the program provided more than just work experience. NexGen offered transport and activities for students to enjoy on the weekend so they could explore the town and become immersed in Spanish culture. For example, students went on tours in the Roman city of Tarragona and enjoyed the Port Aventura theme park. As the coach, Alba noticed a significant improvement in students’ personal growth alongside professional skills development.

“Working with this group has been great. We have learnt a lot about the sports industry and we have enjoyed the fantastic surroundings organising a sports day at the beach in Salou.”

– Alba Queraltó

The program was hugely successful for students and the partnering local businesses. For students, three key skills were developed: public speaking, teamwork, and analytical proficiency. Especially considering that 70% of the working population now work exclusively for SMEs, start-up companies, and freelance, the ability to confidently present and report concisely was fundamental. As sports students, most already had foundational teamwork abilities, but transferring this to a work environment was challenging. By the end of the project, they were confident in verbalising their own skills and being empathetic when listening to others, which made them more committed to achieving the overall project aim. Team leaders were able to empower those who felt less confident, whilst also adapting their roles within the team where weaknesses were recognised.

Beyond everything, the project motivated students to explore their future career prospects. For many, having access to one-on-one training and supporting resources they otherwise would not have, gives them the opportunity to develop transferable skills for further work opportunities.

“My path has become clearer for the future”

– Jack Winterson