A Cardiff Business School alumnus has spent more than two decades supporting student development through a placement partnership that continues to shape graduate careers and strengthen industry links.
Dale Perrett, a founding director of Novo Executive Search and Selection, has worked closely with Cardiff Business School to provide students with meaningful workplace experience, professional mentoring and a clear route into graduate employment. The partnership has benefited both students and the organisation, creating a sustainable talent pipeline grounded in long-term collaboration, the Business School said.
Dale graduated from Cardiff Business School in 1989 with a degree in Economics, an experience he credits with shaping his approach to business and leadership.
Dale said:
“That experience stayed with me, and it influenced how I think about people, decision-making and building organisations for the long term.”
After beginning his career in executive search, Dale co-founded Novo Executive Search in 2003. Since then, he has spent more than 20 years advising boards and leadership teams on senior appointments across a range of sectors.
Two of his children have also studied at Cardiff University, one graduating in Psychology and Sociology and the other completing a degree in Urban Design this summer.
“It’s a university I know well, both professionally and personally, which makes the relationship even more meaningful,” Dale added.
Novo began offering placements to Cardiff Business School students more than 20 years ago, prompted by the consistent quality of graduates entering the workplace.
“We saw a strong standard coming out of Cardiff,” Dale explained, “not just academically, but in terms of attitude, curiosity and commercial awareness.”
He believes Cardiff students bring a distinctive maturity and grounded approach that suits the executive search profession.
He explained:
“Understanding people and business context is everything, and Cardiff students tend to grasp that earlier than many. They bring a strong work ethic, a willingness to learn, the confidence to take ownership early and ask good questions.”
Placements have also become an important recruitment route, and several former Cardiff students have progressed into leadership roles within the organisation.
“Many of our graduate hires have come through placements and they already understand our culture, which significantly shortens the learning curve. Seeing someone join as a student, develop their capability and grow into a leadership position is incredibly rewarding.” Dale said.
For organisations considering offering placements, Dale stresses the importance of making the experience meaningful by giving students real projects, treating them as a part of the team, involving them in conversations and inviting them to contribute.
He also emphasised the value of sustained partnerships between universities and employers:
“Strong relationships create a two-way flow of values, and for us it’s never been transactional. It’s about long-term alignment and investing in future talent.”
