UWTSD enterprise lead graduates with PhD

Today (29.03.2022) marks a special time for UWTSD, as one of its staff is graduating with a PhD that was developed in partnership with our students and alumni.

Associate Professor Kathryn Penaluna explored the synergies between design education and approaches that are proven to support student employability. In particular, she looked at the skills needed to work in the growing number of small businesses and taking forward new ventures – be they social, cultural and/or commercial. 

‘Feedback from our alumni was central to my study’, said Kath, ‘only they can tell what works and what doesn’t. The design-based students had plenty of positive things to say, and really helped me to understand why the way they were taught helped them so much.”

UWTSD already has many accolades in employability and enterprise, simply because of consistent top rankings in the UK. Kath directs the University’s research in the area, leading the Internationally recognised International Institute for Creative Entrepreneurial Development, so recognition at PhD level encourages her to do more.

‘That we are 1^st in the UK for graduate businesses that have run for 3 or more years; the phenomenal expertise our past students have contributed is invaluable. They are the main reason that we work at such high levels, for example as consultants to the United Nations and European Joint Research Centre.’

The demand for Kath’s internationally rated expertise has never been stronger, but it is the University’s students she is focussing on. As the workplace is demanding it, Start-up support is available for all graduates, including students in this week’s ceremonies. They may face career opportunities they had never imagined, and advice from their forerunners gives them a great advantage.