What are University teacher and adviser conferences?

To be a great teacher, adviser or career counsellor to sixth form students, you must be equipped with accurate and in-depth information on a plethora of ever-changing subjects relating to higher education. From the student loans system to UCAS applications and degree apprenticeships to student life at university, what better way to keep informed about the main issues affecting post-16 progression, as well as the breadth of choice faced by students, than by attending an event provided by higher education professionals themselves?

Teacher and careers adviser conferences are hosted by higher education institutions nationwide, and are often free to attend and CPD accredited. Some conferences can be a one day event with an inspirational key note speaker at the start and a choice of break-out sessions or workshops offered throughout the afternoon. Others, such as the Nurturing Bright Futures Conference offered by my institution, the University of East Anglia in June 2018, are residential events held over 2 days and include free accommodation and a three course networking dinner.

Workshops and sessions offered at the conferences differ depending on which university is hosting, however, you can generally expect to get an update on university admissions, what universities expect from a personal statement, UCAS reference writing and the latest information on student finance.

Other popular sessions include advice specifically for medicine and dentistry applications, options available to students who wish to study abroad as part of their degree, graduate prospects after university and the opportunity to find out more about degree subjects which are not typically offered at A Level. Most conferences provide break-out sessions, thereby enabling you to maximise your personal development in an area of your choice.

Sessions range from formal presentations offered by an academic, admissions tutor or external speaker (i.e. UCAS) to more interactive sessions and Q and A panels. For example, at UEA’s Nurturing Bright Futures Conference, you can attend an interactive simulation of the multiple mini interview process that applicants to health professional courses go through. What better way to prepare your students for this than by seeing the process first hand?

Overall, teacher and adviser conferences offer you the opportunity to keep informed about the latest HE developments from industry experts, network with other professionals who are facing the same challenges and most importantly, provide you with the tools and skills necessary to foster the talents and aspirations of your students.