Member Spotlight: Michael Dobson, Employer Partnerships Manager – Manchester Metropolitan University

Hi! I’m Mike Dobson and my role at Manchester Met University is Employer Partnerships Manager. I manage a team, within our Careers and Employability Service, that is dedicated to working with businesses that are looking to recruit, and engage with, our student and graduate bodies.

3. Name three words that describe your personality.

Great question! I’d like to say…calm, conscientious, and convivial (the latter being one of my favourite words going!). Hopefully colleagues would say similarly positive things…

4. What’s the best thing about pro-Manchester?

Can I say two things? Firstly, the breadth of the sectors that are represented across the member organisations. This is perfect for us because we have requirements to develop partnerships with businesses that are aligned to all our many areas of teaching! Second…the MIMAS.

5. What are your priorities for 2024?

To continue to ensure that the employability activities that we undertake at Manchester Met marry up to the requirements of key industries in Greater Manchester and the wider North-West. More specifically, to continue to support as many SMEs as possible with their recruitment and resource requirements – enabling them to navigate the sometimes-complicated landscape of working with a Higher Education provider.

6. What do you think are the most important things going on in Manchester at the moment?

Plenty! To pick out a couple…Firstly, Manchester’s own Carbon Neutral ambitions and appetite to lead as a sustainable city for the future. Secondly, the continued development boom and ever-changing skyline of Manchester City Centre – including exciting developments around Coop Live Arena for example.

7. Favourite meeting place in Manchester?

Okay, very important question…depends very much on the nature of the meeting! Coffee meeting – Nero on Oxford for ease (and the Salted Caramel Hot Choc), Lunch meeting – Hello Oriental, just by Circle Square, and post-work meeting – The Box, YES Bar, Refuge.

8. Are there any types of businesses that you are looking to work with?

It sounds cliché but we have a commitment to try and support businesses of any size or sector. There are a multitude of ways in which businesses can work with our talented students. Everything from light-touch options such as providing a brief for a live-consultancy project, to recruiting multiple graduates into their organisation! If you think we might be able to work together, feel free to drop me a line or connect on LinkedIn.

Get In Touch

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mdobson1/