Student Accommodation: An Exciting and Rewarding Career for Graduates?
The Student Accommodation Sector in the UK, encompassing both University-owned residences and Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) providers, plays a pivotal role in supporting students' academic endeavours. Despite its significance, the sector often remains overlooked as a potential career path for graduates. Many professionals in the field stumbled into it by chance rather than through deliberate career planning. Yet, the industry presents a dynamic, diverse, and fulfilling career trajectory for individuals who thrive in fast-paced, ever evolving environments. How many times have you seen or heard ‘no two days are ever the same’ when looking at jobs in this sector?
Why then, as an industry, are we not pushing the agenda that Student Accommodation can be an exciting and rewarding career? We have graduates at our fingertips, academic partners at the ready, countless opportunities for apprenticeships and interns, so why aren’t we shouting from the rooftops?
In this article, I explore recent shifts in the industry and a potential blueprint for recruiting new graduates into rewarding careers.
A Landscape of Opportunity: Recent Shifts in Student Accommodation
In examining the sector's evolution, it's evident that traditional distinctions between University-owned accommodations and PBSA providers have blurred over time. Previously, these were very separate entities with Universities running accommodation in a similar manner to their academic buildings and although provided pastoral support, there was little emphasis on Customer Service.
PBSA on the other hand, operated as a commercial entity, putting Customer Service and sales first, but not quite getting the wellbeing provision correct. Although the practice was at opposite ends of the scale, the goal was the same: to provide safe and habitable accommodation where students can reach their academic potential.
This transformation owes much to professionals who have transitioned between University and PBSA roles, bringing valuable insights and expertise from one area to another. The exchange of knowledge and best practices between these sectors has significantly enhanced the quality of student accommodation and support services. Graduates entering the industry have the opportunity to contribute to this ongoing transformation, shaping the future of student living and academic success.
Accidental Careers: Stepping into Student Accommodation
For many, including myself, entry into the Student Accommodation Sector was far from planned. Starting as a temporary employee at Unite Students, I found I enjoyed the dynamic nature of the role and embraced the challenges it presented. Transitioning to a permanent position marked the beginning of a fulfilling career journey characterised by continuous learning and professional growth. Subsequently, joining the University of Liverpool provided a platform to apply insights gained from my previous role, driving positive changes in processes and fostering a customer-centric culture.
My experience is not unique; countless professionals have wandered down similar paths, bridging the gap between University-owned and PBSA accommodations. Each transition enriches the collective knowledge base of the sector, fuelling innovation and enhancing student experience. By recognising the Student Accommodation Sector as a viable career route, graduates gain access to a wealth of opportunities for personal and professional development.
The importance of promoting the sector as a rewarding career path cannot be overstated. As graduates navigate the post-education landscape, they should be encouraged to explore diverse industries, including student accommodation. By highlighting the sector's significance and potential, we can attract top talent and nurture future leaders in the student accommodation sector.
A Blueprint for Graduate Careers in Student Accommodation
So how do we do this? Ideally by investing in the professional development of individuals within the sector and lead from within. Establishing formalised training programmes, mentorship initiatives, and networking opportunities can empower professionals to excel in their roles and drive positive change within their organisations. By promoting a culture of continuous learning and collaboration, the sector can adapt to evolving student needs and uphold its commitment to academic success and well-being.
Graduates are vital to the ongoing improvement in the sector as it is very likely that at some point in their academic career they would have lived with us; giving us invaluable insight into their personal experience of our offer from initial application through to departure. It is the ultimate You Said, We Did flex!
Many providers and universities have already established or are laying the foundations of such schemes; backed by the continued shared learning opportunities through student accommodation-based associations such as ASRA or Unipol. A lot of us offer casual roles to students throughout their stay, whether it is showing their rooms on open days, to Res Life positions, to content creators – how do we identify and hold onto talent from this point?
At University of Liverpool, we recognise that work experience can enhance the academic learning, and give a leg up into a future career. Through our student work opportunities, we have successfully placed 2 graduates directly into student accommodation roles with us, and both are now flourishing in their careers having received progression opportunities in the student accommodation sector. Another of our Accommodation Ambassadors, students who assisted with the busy clearing and confirmation period, is now thriving in a role at a student mental health charity – with a clear link to our sector.
So many of these localised opportunities are available, and what is needed now is the platform to connect the dots in order to promote the student accommodation sector as the exciting and rewarding career path we all love it for. Can we link in with University or City Career Fairs to highlight student accommodation as a viable industry to move into following graduation? Do we look to partner with wider graduate platforms such as Handshake to directly promote our available roles to the intended audience?
I may be biased being the Northern Rep for ASRA, but could this be the space to do it? ASRA is dedicated to providing a platform for current student accommodation professionals to meet and share best practice, could this be widened to an entry level network for graduates keen to embark on their career? Can ASRA be the conduit to put the student accommodation sector on the map at those University Career fairs? The ASRA annual conference and twice yearly regional meetings are the perfect springboard for keen student accommodation professionals to build their experience and network through attending member led sessions and seminars; we just need to ensure we continue to attract that talent into the sector.
Providing Opportunities, Enhancing Services
Recognising the Student Accommodation Sector as a viable career route for graduates is not just about acknowledging its importance; it's about embracing its potential to shape the future of student living and support services. By championing career opportunities within the sector, we pave the way for a new generation of dedicated professionals committed to enhancing the student experience and fostering success in higher education.
