Importance of Associativism & Mobility in Youth Employability

On October 12th, 2024, during the ESNUpgrade event in Viseu, Portugal, a comprehensive training session was conducted with over 40 participants, including local and international students. The session used a range of non-formal education methods to create an engaging, hands-on learning experience. Here is an overview of the specific methods used:

• Interactive Presentations: The session opened with an interactive presentation to introduce key concepts in employability, focusing on the competencies gained through mobility experiences. Presenters used real-world examples and engaged participants through open-ended questions, encouraging them to reflect on their skills and experiences.
• Skill-Mapping Workshop: Participants engaged in a skill-mapping exercise designed to identify and categorize their transferable skills from mobility and associativism experiences. In small groups, they listed skills on digital sticky notes and mapped these to relevant job market demands. This exercise was aimed at enhancing their awareness of how their unique experiences align with employers' expectations.
• Resume and CV Enhancement: Attendees participated in a practical session where they updated their resumes or CVs to highlight at least two competencies gained through mobility or associativism. Facilitators provided templates and feedback, guiding participants on how to structure their experiences to make their profiles stand out. This exercise emphasized the importance of clear, results-oriented language and quantifiable achievements.
• Elevator Pitch Development: In pairs, participants crafted elevator pitches that articulated their global competencies and personal growth from international experiences. After drafting their pitches, they practiced delivering them to peers, receiving constructive feedback to refine their articulation skills. This exercise prepared them for real-world networking and job interviews by boosting confidence and clarity.
• Role-Playing for Real-Life Scenarios: Using role-play scenarios, participants practiced presenting their competencies in job interview settings. Facilitators introduced typical interview questions that relate to international experience, and participants role-played responses. This activity reinforced their understanding of how to communicate competencies effectively under pressure.
• Open Dialogue and Q&A: The session concluded with an open Q&A, where participants asked questions and shared reflections on the challenges and successes of marketing their skills. This segment encouraged peer learning and built a supportive environment for discussing personal strategies for employability.
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To ensure ongoing impact and dissemination, ESN Portugal provided digital materials from the session, including templates for skill mapping and resume enhancement, which participants could use to replicate similar workshops in their local communities. These resources were also shared with Instituto Politécnico de Viseu and other educational partners to extend the reach of the session's content.

The session’s impact extends beyond the immediate participants, creating a foundation for long-lasting benefits and a multiplying effect within the community. Equipped with enhanced resumes, refined elevator pitches, and a deeper understanding of how to present their skills, participants left the session better prepared to approach the job market. Each participant can now act as an ambassador for the competencies gained through Erasmus+ and similar mobility experiences, sharing insights and best practices with peers, local organizations, and academic networks.

ESN Portugal has also ensured the sustainable dissemination of this training by providing digital resources and templates, enabling participants to conduct similar sessions within their own communities. This approach fosters a multiplying effect, as participants share what they learned, inspiring others to recognize and value the skills gained from international experiences. Additionally, by sharing outcomes and materials with institutions like Instituto Politécnico de Viseu, ESN Portugal has broadened the outreach, engaging academic stakeholders in discussions on integrating these competencies into university support structures for employability.

In the long term, the session’s impact will contribute to the development of a network of young individuals who are not only more employable but also more proactive in supporting their peers’ career readiness. This ripple effect helps strengthen ESN Portugal’s National Employability Strategy and furthers the Erasmus Careers project's objectives, creating a generation of students and alumni who are equipped to translate their mobility experiences into professional opportunities, thereby promoting the continued value of international experiences in the broader job market.