What students say about PDP

"PDP is about stopping to reflect on how everything is going - be it academically, socially or in terms of job prospects. The personal tutor will have a wide range of knowledge and can illuminate opportunities and services which you may not know exist. PDP can be a useful tool in highlighting areas which can be improved and opening up new opportunities." Llywelyn Morris, Students' Guild Education Officer, 2009-10

"My tutor spends time going through [my PDP] with regards to my grades (and how I can improve) and career (what I’ve accomplished in work experience and what still needs doing). I am also aware that keeping her up-to-date with PDP is an excellent way of keeping her informed enough about me to write a good reference." 

"Employers are looking for a rounded person, they’re not just looking for a degree. The degree nowadays is increasingly a requirement; what’s more important is how graduates develop their skills."

What academic staff say about PDP

"PDP is a way for students to think about and reflect on their progress and development and to engage with their tutors in a structured way which they probably haven’t had the opportunity to do before." Juliette Stephenson, Personal Development Tutor, University of Exeter Business School

"PDP can help students work towards their own career development, and puts an emphasis on thinking harder and deeper about the skills associated with it." Dr Rod Wilson, Biosciences, University of Exeter

What employers say about PDP

"I think there's a new skill, and that's the importance of being able to manage your own learning, and your own career. Employers will help, but I think today they recognise it's the individual who must take that responsibility." Carl Gilleard, CEO, The Association of Graduate Recruiters

"We require students who can demonstrate that they have not only performed well throughout their academic career, but also developed their skill set outside of it and will stand out from their peers." Accenture