This event will be facilitated by two of our Employability, Enterprise And Work-Based Learning network co-convenors, Dr Tracy Scurry and Dr Fiona Christie. You can find out more about the network on our website: click here to view. 

Introduction 

In the context of significant change and challenge (political, economic, social, technological, environmental), understandings of work and employment are central organising frameworks for how individuals and societies behave – often reflecting what is valued and what is not. 

The sustainable development goals (SDGs), and the increased emphasis on achieving responsible and sustainable futures for all, might help to expand conceptualisations of “what good graduate outcomes look like” by moving beyond objective markers of success (wage level, occupational classification, employment status) to broader conceptualisations which recognise difference and place value on subjective experience and evaluations, wellbeing and broader societal contributions for the social good.

In this session we will explore a case study of how Canadian academic and career development specialist Dr Candy Ho has utilised the SDGs in her career learning pedagogy. Following Candy's presentation on "Making the global personal: The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in career curricula," attendees will have ample opportunity to engage in discussion about employability and graduate outcomes through the lens of sustainable development.

Please note that the timings for this event are given in UK time.

Presentation Abstract: "Making the global personal: The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in career curricula"

Inspired by the United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, a university career transition course introduced the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in its curriculum. A natural fit between career education and the UN SDGs was discovered, as students pondered three big questions: 
•    What is the world that I want to live in? 
•    What do I see are the global problems or opportunities that need our attention? 
•    What are my talents and experiences that may help address these problems, and in turn improve the condition of our world?

Incorporating the SDGs in the career curriculum can inspire students to consider not only their professional aspirations, but also how these aspirations can be grounded on a broader goal(s) that promotes a sustainable future for our local and global communities. This, in turn, further amplifies the impact of our work by ultimately helping students realize their personal mission and purpose.

Speaker Biography

Dr Candy Ho is an international award-winning career development educator and scholar whose expertise is recognized globally through keynotes, media interviews, consulting, and other engagements. She is the inaugural Assistant Professor, Integrative Career and Capstone Learning at the University of the Fraser Valley. For the 2022-2023 academic year, she is the University Lead, Sustainable Development Goals at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. Candy currently serves as Chair of CERIC, a Canadian charitable organization that advances education and research in career counselling and career development, in order to increase the economic and social well-being of Canadians.