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Employability Skills Toolkit Student Resources This booklet contains resources written for students to support them in developing their employability skills. There is an accompanying booklet containing resources for course teams.

Employability Skills Toolkit - Student Resources

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This booklet contains resources written for students to support them in developing their employability skills.

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Page 1: Employability Skills Toolkit - Student Resources

Employability Skills Toolkit Student Resources

This booklet contains resources written for students to support them in developing their employability skills.

There is an accompanying booklet containing resources for course teams.

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Audit  

This  resource  is  written  for  students  

   

Why  Graduate,  Academic  and  Employability  Skills  Matter    

Study  and  Self  Management  Skills  

Managing  yourself  helps  you  to  control  your  life  and  career  in  ways  which  suit  you.  Many  graduate-­‐level  jobs  have  a  degree  of  independence  and  autonomy,  and  require  graduates  to  plan  and  manage  their  own  work  schedules,  monitor  progress  towards  targets,  and  reflect  on  what  has  been  achieved.  

To  achieve  a  top  class  degree  you  have  to  be  organised,  cope  with  competing  pressures,  study  effectively  and  efficiently  and  monitor  your  progress  to  ensure  you  are  on-­‐track  for  a  good  degree.  This  is  why  your  University  course  will  provide  opportunities  to  develop  this  skill.  

Notes  and  action  points  on  study  and  self  management  skills  

 

 

 

Critical  Thinking  and  Reflective  Skills  

High  academic  achievers  and  influential  and  effective  workers  are  insightful.  They  use  their  reflective  and  critical  thinking  skills  to  look  objectively  at  what  they  are  doing  and  whether  they  can  do  things  differently.  Changing  what  you  do  and  how  you  do  it,  learning  from  your  mistakes,  questioning  your  assumptions,  challenging  yourself  to  think  differently,  making  new  connections  between  theory  and  practice,  all  help  you  to  achieve  challenging  goals  and  targets  more  quickly  with  less  effort.  

Organisations  benefit  when  employees  realistically  and  objectively  analyse  their  own  strengths  and  weaknesses.  These  employees  can  be  relied  upon  to  set  themselves  achievable  goals  because  they  think  through  the  options,  look  for  the  best  ways  of  working  and  deliver  what  they  promise  

Notes  and  action  points  on  critical  thinking  and  reflective  skills  

 

 

 

 

Problem  Solving  and  Creativity  Skills  

Success  in  your  University  studies  and  later  in  the  workplace  requires  you  to  be  able  to  solve  problems  effectively  and  efficiently.  Many  of  the  more  challenging  problems  demand  the  most  

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creative  solutions,  so  an  ability  to  think  differently  and  imaginatively  about  problems  and  to  see  new  ways  of  solving  them  will  help  you  resolve  them  more  quickly  and  permanently.  

Organisations  have  problems  to  solve  all  the  time.  Employers  want  graduates  to  bring  these  skills  to  the  workplace.  Thinking  creatively  opens  up  new  possibilities.  It  allows  you  to  identify  better  ways  of  doing  things.  It  gives  you  innovative  tools  to  work  with.  Developing  and  applying  creative  solutions  to  testing  problems  usually  require  a  blend  of  skills  and  employers  value  a  graduate’s  ability  to  mix  problem  -­‐solving  techniques  with  creative  thinking  to  sort  issues.  Standards  rise  in  organisations  when  employees  solve  problems  with  an  open,  critical  and  inquisitive  min  

Notes  and  action  points  on  problem  solving  and  creativity  skills            

   Writing  Skills    The  importance  of  being  able  to  communicate  in  writing  is  obvious.  Succeeding  in  your  academic  studies  and  at  work  requires  you  to  be  able  to  write  in  different  ways  for  different  audiences.  You  will  not  achieve  a  good  degree  or  hold  down  a  graduate  job  if  you  can’t  write  accurate  English.  Examiners  will  not  mark  scripts  they  cannot  read  or  understand,  and  employers  will  expect  you  to  be  able  to  use  general  and  technical  English.  

Accurately  expressing  yourself  in  writing  is  a  basic  skill  and  the  foundation  of  effective  workplace  communications.  Paying  good  wages  to  a  poor  communicator  is  a  waste  of  money  for  an  organisation  and  they  won’t  do  it.  Poor  writing  skills  lead  to  organisational  inefficiencies.  In  the  longer  term  an  inability  to  express  yourself  clearly  and  accurately  will  hinder  your  career  

 Notes  and  action  points  on  writing  skills            

   Oral  Skills    An  ability  to  express  yourself  accurately  is  a  core  part  of  being  effective  in  what  you  do.  An  inability  to  communicate  with  individuals  will  compromise  your  studies  and  your  working  life.  The  capacity  to  use  different  forms  of  language  accurately  and  to  communicate  your  ideas  with  clarity  and  colour  ensures  you  can  influence  others.  A  capacity  to  adjust  what  you  say  and  how  you  say  it  enables  you  to  interact  with  different  individuals  and  audiences  –  a  flexibility  which  employers  value  highly      

Notes  and  action  points  on  oral  skills          

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       Reading  Skills    Your  studies  require  that  you  can  read,  understand  and  interpret  different  sources  and  styles  of  writing.  Graduate  level  reading  skills  demand  that  you  can  read  and  assimilate  complex  ideas.  The  process  of  studying  will  not  happen  without  highly  developed  reading  skills.  The  ability  to  read  and  understand  diverse  styles  of  writing  is  particularly  valued  by  employers  as  your  skills  can  be  widely  applied  to  their  business.  Your  capacity  to  express  yourself  more  accurately  orally  and  in  writing  increases  with  reading    

Notes  and  action  points  on  reading  skills          

   IT,  Information  and  Numeracy  Skills    Many  graduate–level  jobs  use  information  technology  skills.  You  will  struggle  to  carry  out  your  academic  work  and  build  a  rewarding  career  if  you  are  unable  to  use  information  technology  or  develop  the  skills  to  operate  specialist  computer-­‐based  equipment.  Many  organisations  use  the  Internet  to  manage  their  businesses.  

Numeracy  skills  are  fundamental  to  being  effective.  Managing  aspects  of  your  university  life  and  developing  rewarding  careers  demand  good  numeracy  skills.  Employers  consider  numeracy  skills  to  be  a  basic  competence.  Too  few  students  have  the  numeracy  skills  employers  need  and  many  employers  struggle  to  recruit  suitably  numerate  graduates  

Notes  and  action  points  on  information  on  IT,  information  and  numeracy  skills  

 

 

 

Research  Skills  

Studying  effectively  at  degree-­‐level  requires  that  you  are  good  at  research.  You  have  to  find  and  use  information,  so  a  capacity  to  critically  source,  record,  analyse  and  interpret  large  amounts  of  information  is  critical.  An  ability  to  set  information  in  context  requires  sophisticated  research  skills  

Organisations  have  to  evaluate  issues  and  a  range  of  research  skills  ensures  a  full  and  accurate  assessment  of  the  issues  involved.  Research  skills  which  enable  you  to  evaluate  and  balance  information  will  be  useful  in  solving  problems  within  organisations.  

 

Notes  and  action  points  on  research  skills  

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Teamwork  Skills    

All  organisations  use  teams.  Your  studies  here  will  involve  you  in  working  with  others  in  teams.  Your  working  life  will  involve  teams.  Many  graduates  work  in  teams  soon  after  appointment,  and  the  most  successful  individuals  adapt  their  teamwork  skills  to  cope  with  very  challenging  situations.  Employers  want  team  players.  Working  confidently,  co-­‐operatively  and  flexibly  as  a  member  of  a  team  is  a  highly  valued  graduate  skill.  Accommodating  the  expertise,  motivations  and  behaviours  of  other  team  members  and  still  remaining  focused  on  what  the  team  is  tasked  with  doing  is  a  crucial  job  skill.  

Notes  and  action  points  on  teamwork  skills  

 

   

 

Leadership  Skills  

Aspects  of  your  University  studies  will  require  you  to  direct  the  work  of  others.  Having  the  skills  to  organise  others  and  get  the  most  from  them  is  critical.  Many  graduates  take  on  leadership  roles  in  organisations  quite  soon  after  appointment.  Many  employers  want  graduates  to  assume  responsibility  early  and  good  leadership  skills  can  help  you  progress.  Recognising  the  leadership  skills  of  groups  you  lead  will  ensure  you  get  the  most  from  colleagues  with  whom  you  work.  It  will  make  your  life  easier.  

Notes  and  action  points  on  leadership  skills  

 

 

 

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This  resource  is  written  for  students    

What  is  an  ePortfolio?      An  eportfolio  supports  your  development.  It’s  a  tool  to  store  and  manage  all  your  development  issues.      

It’s  a  private  place  to  amass  evidence  of  your  achievements  and  developments,  a  place  to  reflect  on  what  you  have  achieved,  a  space  to  develop  goals,  to  write  and  monitor  plans  as  well  as  somewhere  to  organise  your  career  search,  job  applications  and  CVs.    

Think  of  an  eportfolio  as  an  electronic  diary.  Bring  in  video,  files,  RSS  feeds,  photos,  etc.  Submit  a  page  from  your  eportfolio  to  your  tutor  outlining  issues  for  discussion  at  your  next  tutorial.    Store  feedback  on  your  skills  and  job  applications.  Scan  in  your  academic  certificates  or  references.    

Add  some  free  writing  about  you  and  what  you  have  achieved  and  tag  it  so  you  can  organise  your  eportfolio  in  ways  which  work  for  you.  Keep  it  personal  or  share  parts  of  it  with  tutors,  prospective  employers  or  friends.    Set  up  groups  with  friends  to  share  ideas.  Customise  it  and  take  it  with  you  when  you  leave.  Link  your  eportfolio  to  your  Facebook  or  Twitter  page.  It’s  all  about  you,  so  use  it  in  any  way  you  want.  

You  can  use  any  software  to  act  as  an  eportfolio.  If  you  want  to  use  the  university’s  eportfolio  you  can  access  it  through  your  Moodle  account:  https://eportfolio.port.ac.uk/  

 How  do  I  use  it?   Goals  

At  the  start  of  each  academic  year  we  suggest  that  you  set  your  study,  work  and  life  goals.    

Choose  your  goals  carefully.  Make  sure  they  are  realistic  and  each  one  helps  you  move  forward.  Don’t  be  too  ambitious  at  the  outset.  You  can  always  add  new  or  more  challenging  goals  later.  Reaching  a  goal  is  a  thrilling  experience  and  motivates  you  to  do  more,  so  set  achievable  goals.  That’s  not  the  same  as  easy  goals.  The  goals  you  set  can  be  a  mixture  of  short  term  goals  (e.g.  this  semester,  next  semester)  as  well  as  longer  term  goals  (next  year,  after  graduation).  

So  that  you  can  monitor  your  progress  towards  achieving  your  goals,  you  should  keep  a  record  of  them  in  your  ePortfolio.    

Plans  

Now  that  you  have  identified  your  work,  life  and  study  goals  for  the  forthcoming  academic  year  the  next  step  is  to  think  how  you  are  going  to  achieve  them.  Be  realistic  about  the  time  and  effort  you  can  devote  to  achieving  your  goals.  Don’t  overload  yourself.  Think  thorough  what  you  need.  

For  each  of  your  identified  goals,  create  a  simple  action  plan  that  outlines  what  needs  to  happen,  when  it  will  happen  and  how  it  will  happen.  

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Employability  Skills  This  section  explores  the  ten  Graduate,  Academic  and  Employability  skills  set  out  in  Curriculum  2012.  

The  resources  can  be  used  with  students  on  a  skill-­‐by-­‐skill  basis.  It  includes  advice  on  developing  and  

recording  these  skills,  as  well  as  how  employers  might  ask  job  applicants  about  their  skills.    Some  

content  is  available  to  students  and  staff  through  the  ePDP  site  in  Moodle.  

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This  resource  is  written  for  students

  Study  and  Self  Management  Skills    

Why  are  Study  and  Self  Management  Skills  important?  

Managing  yourself  helps  you  to  control  your  life  and  career  in  ways  which  suit  you.  Many  graduate-­‐level  jobs  have  a  degree  of  independence  and  autonomy,  and  require  graduates  to  plan  and  manage  their  own  work  schedules,  monitor  progress  towards  targets,  and  reflect  on  what  has  been  achieved.  

To   achieve   a   top   class   degree   you   have   to   be   organised,   cope   with   competing   pressures,   study  effectively  and  efficiently  and  monitor  your  progress  to  ensure  you  are  on-­‐track  for  a  good  degree.  This  is  why  your  University  course  will  provide  opportunities  to  develop  this  skill.  

What  aspects  of  Study  and  Self  Management  Skills  can  I  develop?  

The   aspects   of   this   skill   that   your   course   will   develop   are   shown   below   in  bold.   There   are   other  aspects  of  this  skill  you  may  develop  while  you  study,  live  and  work  here  which  employers  also  value.  These   are   not   bold   in   the   list.   If   you   know   other   aspects,   collect   evidence   of   them.

 

I  can  set  goals  and  adopt  flexible  approaches  to  achieving  them  

• I  generate  clear  and  measurable  ideas  and  goals  • I  can  apply  my  initiative,  commitment  and  perseverance  to  activities  I  undertake  • I  can  adopt  a  flexible  approach  • I  build  and  maintain  relationships  with  others  to  help  me  

 

I  can  manage  my  time,  resources  and  tasks  

• I  can  manage  time  and  resources  and  prioritise  tasks  • I  show  initiative  and  enterprise  in  managing  tasks  • I  can  manage  emotions  • I  anticipate  and  negotiate  well  • I  take  and  manage  risks  appropriately  • I  show  flexibility  when  priorities  change  

 

I  can  address  problems,  feedback  and  progress  issues  effectively  

• I  can  review  progress  and  act  on  feedback  • I  respond  positively  to  changed  priorities  and  adapt  to  new  situations  

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• I  seek  advice  and  support  when  needed  

 

I  can  secure  the  best  conditions  and  opportunities  for  my  own  learning  

• I  can  evaluate  and  monitor  my  own  performance  • I  can  identify  progress  towards  my  goals  • I  seek  out  appropriate  challenges  and  responsibilities  • I  deal  with  competing  pressures  well  • I  reflect  on  the  progress  I  have  made  in  achieving  goals,  and  evaluates  what  I  have  learned  • I  know  how  to  learn  and  can  secure  the  best  conditions  to  do  so  

 How  can  I  develop  and  record  these  skills?  

All   academic   and   tutorial   activities   are   structured   to   support   development   of   your   skills.   How   a  course   develops   your   skills   will   vary.   It   may   be   the   way   you   learn,   or   how   your   course   and   its  assignments  are   structured.   It   could  be   through   the   tutorial   system  and   the   skills   you  use  working  with  your  tutor.  

To   help   you   improve   skills   quickly   there  will   be   opportunities   to   practise   and   receive   feedback   on  them.   Be   sure   to   ask   for   feedback   from   all   your   lecturers   on   your   skill   development   and   review  progress  regularly  with  your  personal  tutor.  Record  your  development  in  your  portfolio.  

The  skills  you  use  to  manage  your  academic  studies  are  the  same  ones  you  use  to  manage  your  life.  Look   for   opportunities   to   develop   skills   in   all   parts   of   your   life.   Your   part-­‐time   job,   recreational  interests,   sports   clubs,   committee   work,   leisure   activities,   work   placement,   vacation   work   can  convince  an  employer  that  you  have  the  skills  they  want.  

Keep  a   record  of  what  you  do  and   the  skills  you  used.  Note  how  you  used  skills   in  new  situations,  whether   you   applied   them   at   an   unusually   high   level,   or   used   them   in   new,   unfamiliar   or   testing  conditions.  

You  can  store  evidence  and  track  your  achievements  in  an  eportfolio.  You  can  bring  all  skills  together  in  a  GAE  Grid.  Use  it  to  review  your  progress  in  all  the  skill  areas.  Detail  your  successes  and  concerns,  and   identify  where   you   need   help.  Discuss   your   needs  with   your   personal   tutor   and   put   a   plan   in  place   to   develop   the   skills   you   need.   Finally,   tell   prospective   employers   about   the   skills   you   have.  They  will  be  interested  

 How  might  employers  ask  me  about  my  Study  and  Self  Management  Skills?  

This  will  depend  on  the  job  you  are  applying  for.  Typical   interview  questions  where  your  study  and  self  management  skills  could  help  you  include:  

1. “Tell  me  about  the  time  you  had  to  adopt  a  new  approach  or  style  to  accomplish  a  task.  How  did  you  manage  the  transition?”    

2. “What  do  you  do  when  priorities  change  quickly?  Give  me  an  example  of  how  you  managed  the  situation  and  the  outcome  that  resulted  from  your  actions.”    

3. “How  do  you  decide  whether  a   task  has  gone  well  or  not  and  what  would  you  do  differently  next  time?”    

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4. “What  do  you  do  to  ensure  you  are  up  to  date  in  your  speciality?”    

5. “How  do  you  ensure  that  deadlines  you  are  given  are  met?  How  do  you  know?        Notes  and  action  points  on  study  and  self  management  skills  Ways  in  which  my  course  is  developing  my  study  and  self  management  skills    How  well  developed  are  my  study  and  self  management  skills  at  the  present  time?  How  I  will  evidence  and  record  my  study  and  self  management  skills    

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This  resource  is  written  for  students

 

Critical  Thinking  and  Reflective  Skills    

High  academic  achievers  and  influential  and  effective  workers  are  insightful.  They  use  their  reflective  and  critical  thinking  skills  to  look  objectively  at  what  they  are  doing  and  whether  they  can  do  things  differently.  Changing  what  you  do  and  how  you  do  it,  learning  from  your  mistakes,  questioning  your  assumptions,  challenging  yourself  to  think  differently,  making  new  connections  between  theory  and  practice,  all  help  you  to  achieve  challenging  goals  and  targets  more  quickly  with  less  effort.  

Organisations  benefit  when  employees  realistically  and  objectively  analyse  their  own  strengths  and  weaknesses.  These  employees  can  be  relied  upon  to  set   themselves  achievable  goals  because  they  think  through  the  options,  look  for  the  best  ways  of  working  and  deliver  what  they  promise  

 

What  aspects  of  Critical  Thinking  and  Reflective  Skills  can  I  develop?  

The   aspects   of   this   skill   that   your   course   will   develop   are   shown   below   in  bold.   There   are   other  aspects  of  this  skill  you  may  develop  while  you  study,  live  and  work  here  which  employers  also  value.  These  are  not  bold  in  the  list.  If  you  know  other  aspects,  collect  evidence  of  them.  

 

I  can  evaluate  information,  sources,  opinions  and  options  

• I  can  identify  questions  to  answer  and  problems  to  resolve  • I  am  confident  with  information  in  different  media  (oral,  written,  tactile,  visual,  etc);  • I  can  source  additional  information  

 

I  think  critically  and  logically  

• I  think  critically  when  reading,  writing,  listening  and  speaking  • I  ask  questions  to  extend  my  thinking  • I  think  reflectively  and  imaginatively  • I  use  logical  deductive  skills  • I  recognise  logical  conflicts  in  arguments    • I  consider  compatibility  and  equivalence  between  issues  and  arguments  

 

I  analyse  and  construct  arguments,  assumptions,  decisions  and  explanations  

• I  question  my  own  assumptions  • I  can  separate  belief  and  logic  from  each  other  • I  use  language  well  and  accurately  • I  support  my  conclusions  with  reasoned  arguments  and  evidence  • I  seek  advice  and  support  when  I  need  it  

 

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I  review  my  own  performance  and  identify  implications  for  my  professional  practice  

• I  look  at  what  I  have  done  objectively  • I  deal  positively  with  praise,  setbacks  and  criticism  • I  can  see  the  implications  of  my  activities  

 

 How  can  I  develop  and  record  these  skills?  

All   academic   and   tutorial   activities   are   structured   to   support   development   of   your   skills.   How   a  course   develops   your   skills   will   vary.   It   may   be   the   way   you   learn,   or   how   your   course   and   its  assignments  are   structured.   It   could  be   through   the   tutorial   system  and   the   skills   you  use  working  with  your  tutor.  

To   help   you   improve   skills   quickly   there  will   be   opportunities   to   practise   and   receive   feedback   on  them.   Be   sure   to   ask   for   feedback   from   all   your   lecturers   on   your   skill   development   and   review  progress  regularly  with  your  personal  tutor.  Record  your  development  in  your  portfolio.  

The  skills  you  use  to  manage  your  academic  studies  are  the  same  ones  you  use  to  manage  your  life.  Look   for   opportunities   to   develop   skills   in   all   parts   of   your   life.   Your   part-­‐time   job,   recreational  interests,   sports   clubs,   committee   work,   leisure   activities,   work   placement,   vacation   work   can  convince  an  employer  that  you  have  the  skills  they  want.  

Keep  a   record  of  what  you  do  and   the  skills  you  used.  Note  how  you  used  skills   in  new  situations,  whether   you   applied   them   at   an   unusually   high   level,   or   used   them   in   new,   unfamiliar   or   testing  conditions.  

You  can  store  evidence  and  track  your  achievements  in  an  eportfolio.  You  can  bring  all  skills  together  in  a  GAE  Grid.  Use  it  to  review  your  progress  in  all  the  skill  areas.  Detail  your  successes  and  concerns,  and   identify  where   you   need   help.  Discuss   your   needs  with   your   personal   tutor   and   put   a   plan   in  place   to   develop   the   skills   you   need.   Finally,   tell   prospective   employers   about   the   skills   you   have.  They  will  be  interested  

   How  might  employers  ask  me  about  my  Critical  Thinking  and  Reflective  Skills?  

This   will   depend   on   the   job   you   are   applying   for.   Typical   interview   questions   where   your   critical  thinking  and  reflective  skills  could  be  useful  include:  

1. “How  would  you  present  an  unusual  idea  to  your  peers?”    

2. “Give  me  an  example  of  you  thinking  laterally  about  how  to  sort  out  an  issue”    

3. “Should  we  use  tried  or  untried  approaches  when  faced  with  challenging  targets?    

4. “How  important  to  you  is  learning  from  your  mistakes?  Tell  me  how  you  did  it  and  the  effect  it  had.”    

5. “Reflect   on   a   situation   in   which   you   had   to   adjust   to   developments   over   which   you   had   no  control  

 

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   Notes  and  action  points  on  critical  thinking  and  reflective    skills  Ways  in  which  my  course  is  developing  my  critical  thinking  and  reflective  skills    How  well  developed  are  my  critical  thinking  and  reflective  skills  at  the  present  time?  How  I  will  evidence  and  record  my  critical  thinking  and  reflective  skills                                                                                              

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This  resource  is  written  for  students    

 

Problem  Solving  and  Creativity  Skills    

Why  are  Problem  Solving  and  Creativity  Skills  important?  

Success   in   your   University   studies   and   later   in   the   workplace   requires   you   to   be   able   to   solve  problems   effectively   and   efficiently.   Many   of   the   more   challenging   problems   demand   the   most  creative  solutions,  so  an  ability  to  think  differently  and  imaginatively  about  problems  and  to  see  new  ways  of  solving  them  will  help  you  resolve  them  more  quickly  and  permanently.  

Organisations  have  problems  to  solve  all  the  time.  Employers  want  graduates  to  bring  these  skills  to  the  workplace.  Thinking  creatively  opens  up  new  possibilities.  It  allows  you  to  identify  better  ways  of  doing  things.  It  gives  you  innovative  tools  to  work  with.  Developing  and  applying  creative  solutions  to  testing   problems   usually   require   a   blend   of   skills   and   employers   value   a   graduate’s   ability   to  mix  problem   -­‐solving   techniques   with   creative   thinking   to   sort   issues.   Standards   rise   in   organisations  when  employees  solve  problems  with  an  open,  critical  and  inquisitive  mind.  

 

What  aspects  of  Problem  Solving  and  Creativity  Skills  can  I  develop?  

The   aspects   of   this   skill   that   your   course   will   develop   are   shown   below   in  bold.   There   are   other  aspects  of  this  skill  you  may  develop  while  you  study,  live  and  work  here  which  employers  also  value.  These   are   not   bold   in   the   list.   If   you   know   other   aspects,   collect   evidence   of   them.

 

I  can  define  and  analyse  the  nature  of  problems  

 

I   am  confident  and   flexible   in   identifying  and  defining   complex  problems   (individually  and   in  groups)  

 

I  can  identify  and  prioritise  inventive,  creative  and  effective  ways  to  solve  problems  

• I  use  lateral  thinking  • I  make  original  connections  between  ideas  • I  can  link  my  own  and  others’  ideas  • I  question  my  own  assumptions  and  ways  of  working  • I  use  my  initiative,  creativity  and  logical  reasoning  • I  am  persistent  and  explore  alternative  ways  of  working  • I  can  adapt  my  ideas  as  circumstances  change  • I  have  clarity  of  judgement  and  can  provide  a  supporting  rationale  

 

I  can  secure  appropriate  means  to  solve  a  problem  

• I  follow  things  through  

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• I  can  review  my  progress  objectively  • I  act  appropriately  on  outcomes  • I  will  seek  advice  and  support  when  I  need  it  

 

I  justify  approaches  used  to  solve  a  problem  

• I  can  assesses  myself  and  identify  my  opportunities  and  achievements    

 How  can  I  develop  and  record  these  skills?  

All   academic   and   tutorial   activities   are   structured   to   support   development   of   your   skills.   How   a  course   develops   your   skills   will   vary.   It   may   be   the   way   you   learn,   or   how   your   course   and   its  assignments  are   structured.   It   could  be   through   the   tutorial   system  and   the   skills   you  use  working  with  your  tutor.  

To   help   you   improve   skills   quickly   there  will   be   opportunities   to   practise   and   receive   feedback   on  them.   Be   sure   to   ask   for   feedback   from   all   your   lecturers   on   your   skill   development   and   review  progress  regularly  with  your  personal  tutor.  Record  your  development  in  your  portfolio.  

The  skills  you  use  to  manage  your  academic  studies  are  the  same  ones  you  use  to  manage  your  life.  Look   for   opportunities   to   develop   skills   in   all   parts   of   your   life.   Your   part-­‐time   job,   recreational  interests,   sports   clubs,   committee   work,   leisure   activities,   work   placement,   vacation   work   can  convince  an  employer  that  you  have  the  skills  they  want.  

Keep  a   record  of  what  you  do  and   the  skills  you  used.  Note  how  you  used  skills   in  new  situations,  whether   you   applied   them   at   an   unusually   high   level,   or   used   them   in   new,   unfamiliar   or   testing  conditions.  

You  can  store  evidence  and  track  your  achievements  in  an  eportfolio.  You  can  bring  all  skills  together  in  a  GAE  Grid.  Use  it  to  review  your  progress  in  all  the  skill  areas.  Detail  your  successes  and  concerns,  and   identify  where   you   need   help.  Discuss   your   needs  with   your   personal   tutor   and   put   a   plan   in  place   to   develop   the   skills   you   need.   Finally,   tell   prospective   employers   about   the   skills   you   have.  They  will  be  interested  

 How  might  employers  ask  me  about  my  Problem  Solving  and  Creativity  Skills?  

This  will   depend  on   the   job   you   are   applying   for.   Typical   interview  questions  where   your  problem  solving  and  creativity  skills  could  be  useful  include:  

1. “Tell  me  about  a  time  when  you  had  to  be  creative  and  flexible  in  relating  to  others.”    

2. “Think   about   a   problem   that   you   have   solved   in   a   unique   or   unusual   way.   What   was   the  outcome?  Were  you  satisfied  with  it?”    

3. “Have  you  worked  on  a  problem  without  supervision?  What  did  you  achieve?  How  creative  was  your  solution?”    

4. "Think  about  a  time  when  you  missed  a  deadline.  What  caused  the  problem?  What  did  you  do?  What  was  the  outcome?"  

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Notes  and  action  points  on  critical  thinking  skills  Ways  in  which  my  course  is  developing  my  critical  thinking  skills    How  well  developed  are  my  critical  thinking  skills  at  the  present  time?  How  I  will  evidence  and  record  my  critical  thinking  skills                                                                                            

   

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This  resource  is  written  for  students

   

Writing  Skills    

Why  are  Writing  Skills  important?  

The   importance   of   being   able   to   communicate   in  writing   is   obvious.   Succeeding   in   your   academic  studies  and  at  work  requires  you  to  be  able  to  write  in  different  ways  for  different  audiences.  You  will  not  achieve  a  good  degree  or  hold  down  a  graduate  job  if  you  can’t  write  accurate  English.  Examiners  will  not  mark  scripts  they  cannot  read  or  understand,  and  employers  will  expect  you  to  be  able  to  use  general  and  technical  English.  

Accurately   expressing   yourself   in  writing   is   a   basic   skill   and   the   foundation   of   effective  workplace  communications.   Paying   good   wages   to   a   poor   communicator   is   a   waste   of   money   for   an  organisation   and   they   won’t   do   it.   Poor   writing   skills   lead   to   organisational   inefficiencies.   In   the  longer  term  an  inability  to  express  yourself  clearly  and  accurately  will  hinder  your  career  

 

What  aspects  of  Writing  Skills  can  I  develop?  

The   aspects   of   this   skill   that   your   course   will   develop   are   shown   below   in  bold.   There   are   other  aspects  of  this  skill  you  may  develop  while  you  study,  live  and  work  here  which  employers  also  value.  These  are  not  bold  in  the  list.  If  you  know  other  aspects,  collect  evidence  of  them.  

 

I  can  match  sources  of  information  and  writing  styles  to  audiences  and  purposes  

• I  communicate  persuasively  and  logically  • I  write  for  appropriate  disciplines  • I  write  clearly  and  coherently  • I  match  language,  format  and  structure  to  the  audience  it  is  intended  for  

 

I  apply  high  standards  of  accuracy,  attribution  and  non-­‐plagiarism  

• I  acknowledge  sources  and  the  work  of  others  • I  can  transcribe  sources  accurately  and  professionally  • I  use  grammar  punctuation  and  spelling  correctly  to  express  myself  • I  use  a  variety  of  sources  appropriate  to  the  task  

 

I  review  my  written  work  

• I  proofread,  edit  and  revise  my  written  work  • I  critically  assess  my  work  and  match  it  to  the  original  brief  • I  identify  improvements  and  carry  them  through  

 

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 How  can  I  develop  and  record  these  skills?  

All   academic   and   tutorial   activities   are   structured   to   support   development   of   your   skills.   How   a  course   develops   your   skills   will   vary.   It   may   be   the   way   you   learn,   or   how   your   course   and   its  assignments  are   structured.   It   could  be   through   the   tutorial   system  and   the   skills   you  use  working  with  your  tutor.  

To   help   you   improve   skills   quickly   there  will   be   opportunities   to   practise   and   receive   feedback   on  them.   Be   sure   to   ask   for   feedback   from   all   your   lecturers   on   your   skill   development   and   review  progress  regularly  with  your  personal  tutor.  Record  your  development  in  your  portfolio.  

The  skills  you  use  to  manage  your  academic  studies  are  the  same  ones  you  use  to  manage  your  life.  Look   for   opportunities   to   develop   skills   in   all   parts   of   your   life.   Your   part-­‐time   job,   recreational  interests,   sports   clubs,   committee   work,   leisure   activities,   work   placement,   vacation   work   can  convince  an  employer  that  you  have  the  skills  they  want.  

Keep  a   record  of  what  you  do  and   the  skills  you  used.  Note  how  you  used  skills   in  new  situations,  whether   you   applied   them   at   an   unusually   high   level,   or   used   them   in   new,   unfamiliar   or   testing  conditions.  

You  can  store  evidence  and  track  your  achievements  in  an  eportfolio.  You  can  bring  all  skills  together  in  a  GAE  Grid.  Use  it  to  review  your  progress  in  all  the  skill  areas.  Detail  your  successes  and  concerns,  and   identify  where   you   need   help.  Discuss   your   needs  with   your   personal   tutor   and   put   a   plan   in  place   to   develop   the   skills   you   need.   Finally,   tell   prospective   employers   about   the   skills   you   have.  They  will  be  interested.  

 

How  might  employers  ask  me  about  my  Writing  Skills?  

This  will  depend  on  the  job  you  are  applying  for.  Typical  interview  questions  where  your  writing  skills  could  be  useful  include:  

1. “Consider  a  time  when  you  had  to  use  your  writing  skills   in  order  to  get  a  point  across.  What  did  you  do?  What  was  difficult?  What  was  easy?  What  was  the  result?”    

2. “We  often  have  to  produce  documents  with  similar  content  for  different  audiences.  How  do  we  ensure  we  produce  the  right  kind  of  document  for  each  audience?”    

3. “How  would  you  write  a  technical  note  to  a  non-­‐technical  manager?"  

4. “What  checks  do  you  put  in  place  to  ensure  your  written  work  is  correct?"    

5. ”Tell  me  about  your   final   year  dissertation.  How  did  you   select   the  ways   in  which  you  would  present  the  data  and  your  conclusions?”  

6. “Look  at  this  text.  It’s  written  for  a  layperson.  Tell  me  what  you  would  change  and  why”    

7. “What  are  your  top  tips  for  writing  a  PowerPoint  slide  presentation?”    

 

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 Notes  and  action  points  on  writing    skills  Ways  in  which  my  course  is  developing  my  writing  skills    How  well  developed  are  my  writing  skills  at  the  present  time?  How  I  will  evidence  and  record  my  writing  skills                                                                              

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 This  resource  is  written  for  students

   

Oral  Skills    

Why  are  Oral  Skills  important?  

An  ability  to  express  yourself  accurately  is  a  core  part  of  being  effective  in  what  you  do.  An  inability  to  communicate  with  individuals  will  compromise  your  studies  and  your  working  life.  The  capacity  to  use  different   forms  of   language   accurately   and   to   communicate   your   ideas  with   clarity   and   colour  ensures  you  can  influence  others.  A  capacity  to  adjust  what  you  say  and  how  you  say  it  enables  you  to  interact  with  different  individuals  and  audiences  –  a  flexibility  which  employers  value  highly.  

 

What  aspects  of  Oral  Skills  can  I  develop?  

The   aspects   of   this   skill   that   your   course   will   develop   are   shown   below   in  bold.   There   are   other  aspects  of  this  skill  you  may  develop  while  you  study,  live  and  work  here  which  employers  also  value.  These  are  not  bold  in  the  list.  If  you  know  other  aspects,  collect  evidence  of  them.  

 

I  can  match  my  communication  style  and  content  to  the  audience  it  is  intended  for  

• I  put  forward  my  own  point  of  view  using  appropriate  language  and  vocabulary  • I  can  clarify  and  confirm  audience  understanding  of  what  I  am  saying  • I  use  formal  and  informal  language  appropriately  

 

I  engage,  debate  and  negotiate  with  others  

• I  listen  to  and  responds  appropriately  to  others  • I  communicate  effectively  in  familiar,  formal  and  informal  contexts  • I  can  communicate  professionally  with  individuals,  groups  and  peers  • I  use  arguments,  debating  and  negotiating  skills  appropriate  to  the  context  

 

   

How  can  I  develop  and  record  these  skills?  

All   academic   and   tutorial   activities   are   structured   to   support   development   of   your   skills.   How   a  course   develops   your   skills   will   vary.   It   may   be   the   way   you   learn,   or   how   your   course   and   its  assignments  are   structured.   It   could  be   through   the   tutorial   system  and   the   skills   you  use  working  with  your  tutor.  

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To   help   you   improve   skills   quickly   there  will   be   opportunities   to   practise   and   receive   feedback   on  them.   Be   sure   to   ask   for   feedback   from   all   your   lecturers   on   your   skill   development   and   review  progress  regularly  with  your  personal  tutor.  Record  your  development  in  your  portfolio.  

The  skills  you  use  to  manage  your  academic  studies  are  the  same  ones  you  use  to  manage  your  life.  Look   for   opportunities   to   develop   skills   in   all   parts   of   your   life.   Your   part-­‐time   job,   recreational  interests,   sports   clubs,   committee   work,   leisure   activities,   work   placement,   vacation   work   can  convince  an  employer  that  you  have  the  skills  they  want.  

Keep  a   record  of  what  you  do  and   the  skills  you  used.  Note  how  you  used  skills   in  new  situations,  whether   you   applied   them   at   an   unusually   high   level,   or   used   them   in   new,   unfamiliar   or   testing  conditions.  

You  can  store  evidence  and  track  your  achievements  in  an  eportfolio.  You  can  bring  all  skills  together  in  a  GAE  Grid.  Use  it  to  review  your  progress  in  all  the  skill  areas.  Detail  your  successes  and  concerns,  and   identify  where   you   need   help.  Discuss   your   needs  with   your   personal   tutor   and   put   a   plan   in  place   to   develop   the   skills   you   need.   Finally,   tell   prospective   employers   about   the   skills   you   have.  They  will  be  interested.  

How  might  employers  ask  me  about  my  Oral  Skills?  

This  will  depend  on  the   job  you  are  applying   for.  Typical   interview  questions  where  your  oral   skills  could  be  useful  include:  

1. “What  have  you  done  recently  to  improve  your  verbal  skills?”    

2. “Tell  me  about  a  time  when  your  oral  communication  skills  were  particularly  effective  with  an  un-­‐responsive  audience.  What  was  different  in  making  it  effective?”    

3. ”How  strong  would  you  consider  your  communication  skills  to  be?  How  do  you  know?”    

4. “Recall  a  time  when  you  had  to  use  your  verbal  reasoning  skills  to  get  a  point  across.  How  did  you  do  it?  Did  it  work?”    

5. “How  do  you  introduce  yourself  in  social  gatherings,  or  new  or  different  situations?"    

6. “How  do  you  build  rapport  with  someone  and  make  them  feel  comfortable?          Notes  and  action  points  on  oral  skills  Ways  in  which  my  course  is  developing  my  oral  skills    How  well  developed  are  my  oral  skills  at  the  present  time?  How  I  will  evidence  and  record  my  oral  skills  

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This  resource  is  written  for  students

 Reading  Skills    

Why  are  Reading  Skills  important?  

Success   in  your  studies   requires   that  you  can  read,  understand  and   interpret  different  sources  and  styles   of   writing.   Graduate   level   reading   skills   demand   that   you   can   read   and   assimilate   complex  ideas.  The  process  of  studying  will  not  happen  without  highly  developed  reading  skills.  The  ability  to  read  and  understand  diverse  styles  of  writing  is  particularly  valued  by  employers  as  your  skills  can  be  widely   applied   to   their   business.   Your   capacity   to   express   yourself   more   accurately   orally   and   in  writing  increases  with  reading.  

What  aspects  of  Reading  Skills  can  I  develop?  

The   aspects   of   this   skill   that   your   course   will   develop   are   shown   below   in  bold.   There   are   other  aspects  of  this  skill  you  may  develop  while  you  study,  live  and  work  here  which  employers  also  value.  These  are  not  bold  in  the  list.  If  you  know  other  aspects,  collect  evidence  of  them.  

I  match  my  reading  styles  to  sources,  contexts  and  purposes  

• I  can  select  and  use  different  types  of  texts  for  different  purposes  • I  can  draw  information  and  ideas  from  different  sources  and  texts  • I  can  use  match  strategies  to  texts  for  different  purposes  

 

I  apply  critical  reading  and  note-­‐taking  skills  

• I  can  decode  written  word  in  variety  of  contexts  • I  can  read  critically  and  summarise  what  I  have  read  succinctly  • I  transcribe  meaning  accurately  from  sources  I  use  • I  have  a  range  of  reading  skills:  skimming,  scanning,  predicting,  speed  reading,  close  reading  

and  assimilation  • I  can  identify  points  of  view,  implicit  meaning  and  bias  accurately  • I  can  read  and  make  notes  at  the  same  time  

 How  can  I  develop  and  record  these  skills?  

All   academic   and   tutorial   activities   are   structured   to   support   development   of   your   skills.   How   a  course   develops   your   skills   will   vary.   It   may   be   the   way   you   learn,   or   how   your   course   and   its  assignments  are   structured.   It   could  be   through   the   tutorial   system  and   the   skills   you  use  working  with  your  tutor.  

To   help   you   improve   skills   quickly   there  will   be   opportunities   to   practise   and   receive   feedback   on  them.   Be   sure   to   ask   for   feedback   from   all   your   lecturers   on   your   skill   development   and   review  progress  regularly  with  your  personal  tutor.  Record  your  development  in  your  portfolio.  

The  skills  you  use  to  manage  your  academic  studies  are  the  same  ones  you  use  to  manage  your  life.  

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Look   for   opportunities   to   develop   skills   in   all   parts   of   your   life.   Your   part-­‐time   job,   recreational  interests,   sports   clubs,   committee   work,   leisure   activities,   work   placement,   vacation   work   can  convince  an  employer  that  you  have  the  skills  they  want.  

Keep  a   record  of  what  you  do  and   the  skills  you  used.  Note  how  you  used  skills   in  new  situations,  whether   you   applied   them   at   an   unusually   high   level,   or   used   them   in   new,   unfamiliar   or   testing  conditions.  

You  can  store  evidence  and  track  your  achievements  in  an  eportfolio.  You  can  bring  all  skills  together  in  a  GAE  Grid.  Use  it  to  review  your  progress  in  all  the  skill  areas.  Detail  your  successes  and  concerns,  and   identify  where   you   need   help.  Discuss   your   needs  with   your   personal   tutor   and   put   a   plan   in  place   to   develop   the   skills   you   need.   Finally,   tell   prospective   employers   about   the   skills   you   have.  They  will  be  interested.  

How  might  employers  ask  me  about  my  Reading  Skills?  

This  will  depend  on  the  job  you  are  applying  for.  Typical  interview  questions  where  your  reading  skills  could  be  useful  include:  

1.  “How   do   you   ensure   you   have   captured   the   key   information   from   written   information  presented  to  you?”    

2. “Tell  me  about  an   impressive   report  you  have   read  and  what  you   thought   its   strengths  were  due  to”  

3. “How  have  you  improved  your  reading  skills  over  the  last  year?”    

4. “As  a  reader  of  scientific  publications,  what  are  your  top  tips  to  technical  authors  if  they  want  to  get  their  message  across?  

 

Notes  and  action  points  on  reading    skills  Ways  in  which  my  course  is  developing  my  reading  skills    How  well  developed  are  my  reading  skills  at  the  present  time?  How  I  will  evidence  and  record  my  reading  skills                                    

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This  resource  is  written  for  students  

   

IT,  Information  and  Numeracy  Skills    

Why  are  IT,  Information  and  Numeracy  Skills  important?  

Many   graduate–level   jobs   use   information   technology   skills.   You   will   struggle   to   carry   out   your  academic   work   and   build   a   rewarding   career   if   you   are   unable   to   use   information   technology   or  develop   the   skills   to   operate   specialist   computer-­‐based   equipment.   Many   organisations   use   the  Internet  to  manage  their  businesses.  

Numeracy   skills   are   fundamental   to   being   effective.   Managing   aspects   of   your   university   life   and  developing  rewarding  careers  demand  good  numeracy  skills.  Employers  consider  numeracy  skills   to  be   a   basic   competence.   Too   few   students   have   the   numeracy   skills   employers   need   and   many  employers  struggle  to  recruit  suitably  numerate  graduates  

What  aspects  of  IT,  Information  and  Numeracy  Skills  can  I  develop?  

I  can  match  technology  to  a  context  

• I  use  technology  appropriately  to  produce  solutions  to  problems  and  develop  myself  • I  can  use  a  range  of  IT-­‐based  approaches  and  packages  

 

I  can  match  my  numeracy  skills  to  tasks  

• I  can  use  numbers  to  represent  situations  and  problems  • I  can  apply  appropriate  mathematical  procedures  to  data  and  information  • I  can  examine  patterns  and  relationships  in  numerical  information  • I  can  interpret  numbers  presented  in  results  and  solutions  • I  can  draws  conclusions  from  numbers-­‐based  information  • I  consider  the  appropriateness  and  accuracy  of  results  by  evaluating  the  meaning  of  numbers  • I  can  communicate  the  meaning  of  numbers  to  others  in  appropriate  ways  

 

I  can  use  the  internet  effectively  and  courteously  

How  can  I  develop  and  record  these  skills?  

All   academic   and   tutorial   activities   are   structured   to   support   development   of   your   skills.   How   a  course   develops   your   skills   will   vary.   It   may   be   the   way   you   learn,   or   how   your   course   and   its  assignments  are   structured.   It   could  be   through   the   tutorial   system  and   the   skills   you  use  working  with  your  tutor.  

To   help   you   improve   skills   quickly   there  will   be   opportunities   to   practise   and   receive   feedback   on  them.   Be   sure   to   ask   for   feedback   from   all   your   lecturers   on   your   skill   development   and   review  progress  regularly  with  your  personal  tutor.  Record  your  development  in  your  portfolio.  

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The  skills  you  use  to  manage  your  academic  studies  are  the  same  ones  you  use  to  manage  your  life.  Look   for   opportunities   to   develop   skills   in   all   parts   of   your   life.   Your   part-­‐time   job,   recreational  interests,   sports   clubs,   committee   work,   leisure   activities,   work   placement,   vacation   work   can  convince  an  employer  that  you  have  the  skills  they  want.  

Keep  a   record  of  what  you  do  and   the  skills  you  used.  Note  how  you  used  skills   in  new  situations,  whether   you   applied   them   at   an   unusually   high   level,   or   used   them   in   new,   unfamiliar   or   testing  conditions.  

You  can  store  evidence  and  track  your  achievements  in  an  eportfolio.  You  can  bring  all  skills  together  in  a  GAE  Grid.  Use  it  to  review  your  progress  in  all  the  skill  areas.  Detail  your  successes  and  concerns,  and   identify  where   you   need   help.  Discuss   your   needs  with   your   personal   tutor   and   put   a   plan   in  place   to   develop   the   skills   you   need.   Finally,   tell   prospective   employers   about   the   skills   you   have.  They  will  be  interested.  

How  might  employers  ask  me  about  my  IT,  Information  and  Numeracy  Skills?  

This   will   depend   on   the   job   you   are   applying   for.   Typical   interview   questions   where   your   IT,  information  and  numeracy  skills  could  be  useful  include:  

1. “How  do  you  identify  your  skill  in  using  modern  technology?"    

2. “What  do  you  do  to  ensure  you  have  access  to  the  latest  technology  in  your  field?"    

3. “How  do  you  keep  your  information  technology  skills  up-­‐to-­‐date?”    

4. “Why  do  think  some  people  don’t  like  working  with  numbers”    

5. “Tell  me  about  a  presentation  you  have  done  which  required  data  to  be  communicated.  What  did  you  do  and  what  was  the  outcome?”  

 

Notes  and  action  points  on  IT,  information  and  numeracy  skills  Ways  in  which  my  course  is  developing  my    IT,  information  and  numeracy  skills    How  well  developed  are  my  IT,  information  and  numeracy  skills  at  the  present  time?  How  I  will  evidence  and  record  my    IT,  information  and  numeracy  skills                                

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 This  resource  is  written  for  students

 Research  Skills    

Why  are  Research  Skills  important?  

Studying  effectively  at  degree-­‐level  requires  that  you  are  good  at  research.  You  have  to  find  and  use  information,   so   a   capacity   to   critically   source,   record,   analyse   and   interpret   large   amounts   of  information  is  critical.  An  ability  to  set  information  in  context  requires  sophisticated  research  skills  

Organisations   have   to   evaluate   issues   and   a   range   of   research   skills   ensures   a   full   and   accurate  assessment   of   the   issues   involved.   Research   skills   which   enable   you   to   evaluate   and   balance  information  will  be  useful  in  solving  problems  within  organisations  

What  aspects  of  Research  Skills  can  I  develop?  

I  can  identify  a  research  topic  

• I  can  link  theory  with  my  research  • I  can  judge  relevance  and  evaluate  the  value  of  information  

 

I  can  construct  and  implement  a  research  strategy  

• I  can  set  my  research  in  a  context  • I  work  effectively,  collaboratively  and  sensitively  with  others  • I  am  aware  of  the  implications  of  my  decision-­‐making  • I  can  explore  issues  from  different  perspectives  • I  use  reasoning  and  argument  in  appropriate  ways  • I  can  interpret  data/established  ideas  and/or  professional  practice  accurately  • I   can   summarise   background   information   and   detect   any   gaps   in   knowledge   and  

understanding  • I  anticipate,  take  and  manage  risk  appropriately  • I  ask  for  advice  and  support  when  needed  • I  can  use  primary  and  secondary  research  as  appropriate  

 

I  can  evaluate  and  justify  my  conclusions  and  recommendations  

• I  act  on  outcomes  in  appropriate  ways  • I  can  assesses  myself  objectively  and  accurately  • I  can  identifying  opportunities  and  my  achievements  • I  can  review  my  progress  

 

I  can  organise,  produce  and  disseminate  finding  

 

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How  can  I  develop  and  record  these  skills?  

All   academic   and   tutorial   activities   are   structured   to   support   development   of   your   skills.   How   a  course   develops   your   skills   will   vary.   It   may   be   the   way   you   learn,   or   how   your   course   and   its  assignments  are   structured.   It   could  be   through   the   tutorial   system  and   the   skills   you  use  working  with  your  tutor.  

To   help   you   improve   skills   quickly   there  will   be   opportunities   to   practise   and   receive   feedback   on  them.   Be   sure   to   ask   for   feedback   from   all   your   lecturers   on   your   skill   development   and   review  progress  regularly  with  your  personal  tutor.  Record  your  development  in  your  portfolio.  

The  skills  you  use  to  manage  your  academic  studies  are  the  same  ones  you  use  to  manage  your  life.  Look   for   opportunities   to   develop   skills   in   all   parts   of   your   life.   Your   part-­‐time   job,   recreational  interests,   sports   clubs,   committee   work,   leisure   activities,   work   placement,   vacation   work   can  convince  an  employer  that  you  have  the  skills  they  want.  

Keep  a   record  of  what  you  do  and   the  skills  you  used.  Note  how  you  used  skills   in  new  situations,  whether   you   applied   them   at   an   unusually   high   level,   or   used   them   in   new,   unfamiliar   or   testing  conditions.  

You  can  store  evidence  and  track  your  achievements  in  an  eportfolio.  You  can  bring  all  skills  together  in  a  GAE  Grid.  Use  it  to  review  your  progress  in  all  the  skill  areas.  Detail  your  successes  and  concerns,  and   identify  where   you   need   help.  Discuss   your   needs  with   your   personal   tutor   and   put   a   plan   in  place   to   develop   the   skills   you   need.   Finally,   tell   prospective   employers   about   the   skills   you   have.  They  will  be  interested.  

How  might  employers  ask  me  about  my  Research  Skills?  

This  will   depend  on   the   job   you  are   applying   for.   Typical   interview  questions  where   your   research  skills  could  be  useful  include  

1. “When   presented   with   several   sources   of   evidence,   how   do   you   ensure   you   reach   the  most  appropriate  conclusion?”    

2. “Tell  me  what  your  research  strategy  for  a  new  project  would  be.”    

3. “Outline   how   you   would   set   about   interpreting   information   gained   from   your   research  activities”    

4. “How  would  you  evaluate  your  research  skills?”    

5. “A  member  of  your  team  has  weak  research  skills.  How  would  you  address  the  problem?    

 

 

 

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   Notes  and  action  points  on  research    skills  Ways  in  which  my  course  is  developing  my  research  skills    How  well  developed  are  my  research  skills  at  the  present  time?  How  I  will  evidence  and  record  my  research  skills                                                                                            

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This  resources  is  written  for  students

 

Teamwork  skills    

Why  are  teamwork  skills  important?  

All  organisations  use  teams.  Your  studies  here  will  involve  you  in  working  with  others  in  teams.  Your  working  life  will  involve  teams.  Many  graduates  work  in  teams  soon  after  appointment,  and  the  most  successful  individuals  adapt  their  teamwork  skills  to  cope  with  very  challenging  situations.  Employers  want   team   players.   Working   confidently,   co-­‐operatively   and   flexibly   as   a   member   of   a   team   is   a  highly   valued   graduate   skill.   Accommodating   the   expertise,   motivations   and   behaviours   of   other  team  members  and  still  remaining  focused  on  what  the  team  is  tasked  with  doing  is  a  crucial  job  skill.  

What  aspects  of  teamwork  skills  can  I  develop?  

I  can  set  goals  and  adopt  collaborative  approaches  to  achieving  them  

• I  can  interpret  a  team  brief  • I  can  commit  to  what  the  group  has  to  achieve  • I  can  encourage  the  commitment  and  engagement  of  fellow  team  members  • I  can  allocate  roles  and  responsibilities  to  team  members  

 

I  can  work  effectively,  collaboratively  and  sensitively  

• I  can  work  as  an  individual  or  member  of  a  team  • I  am  sensitive  to  the  professional  and  personal  interests  of  other  team  members  • I  take  responsibility  for  a  range  of  appropriate  activities  and  tasks  • I  anticipate  problems  • I   work   with   a   range   of   individuals   regardless   of   age,   gender,   religion,   race   or   political  

persuasion  • I  find  ways  around  problems  • I  encourage  team  members  to  play  their  full  part  • I  manage  productive  discussions  to  achieve  the  results  expected  in  an  efficient  way  • I  work  confidently,  collaboratively,  innovatively  and  creatively  to  achieve  goals  • I  showing  respect  and  fairness  to  fellow  team  members  • I  adjust  my  ways  of  working  and  thinking  to  suit  individuals  and  circumstances  • I  am  willing  to  compromise  where  required  • I  am  a  good  listener  • I  delegate  responsibility  where  required  • I  deal  effectively  with  difficult  individuals  • I  secure  the  resources  and  support  needed  to  deliver  outcomes  

 

I  use  group  dynamics  to  review  progress  and  secure  outcomes  

• I  collaborate  with  others  to  reach  agreements  and  secure  expected  outcomes  • I  use  my  knowledge  of  team  dynamics  to  deliver  outcomes  of  a  consistently  high  standard.  

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• I  am  accountable  for  my  actions  • I  deliver  outcomes  on  time  and  the  standard  expected  

 

I  use  feedback  to  improve  my  performance  

• I  use  constructive  criticism  to  improve  my  working  practices    

How  can  I  develop  and  record  these  skills?  

All   academic   and   tutorial   activities   are   structured   to   support   development   of   your   skills.   How   a  course   develops   your   skills   will   vary.   It   may   be   the   way   you   learn,   or   how   your   course   and   its  assignments  are   structured.   It   could  be   through   the   tutorial   system  and   the   skills   you  use  working  with  your  tutor.  

To   help   you   improve   skills   quickly   there  will   be   opportunities   to   practise   and   receive   feedback   on  them.   Be   sure   to   ask   for   feedback   from   all   your   lecturers   on   your   skill   development   and   review  progress  regularly  with  your  personal  tutor.  Record  your  development  in  your  portfolio.  

The  skills  you  use  to  manage  your  academic  studies  are  the  same  ones  you  use  to  manage  your  life.  Look   for   opportunities   to   develop   skills   in   all   parts   of   your   life.   Your   part-­‐time   job,   recreational  interests,   sports   clubs,   committee   work,   leisure   activities,   work   placement,   vacation   work   can  convince  an  employer  that  you  have  the  skills  they  want.  

Keep  a   record  of  what  you  do  and   the  skills  you  used.  Note  how  you  used  skills   in  new  situations,  whether   you   applied   them   at   an   unusually   high   level,   or   used   them   in   new,   unfamiliar   or   testing  conditions.  

You  can  store  evidence  and  track  your  achievements  in  an  eportfolio  .You  can  bring  all  skills  together  in  a  GAE  Grid.  Use  it  to  review  your  progress  in  all  the  skill  areas.  Detail  your  successes  and  concerns,  and   identify  where   you   need   help.  Discuss   your   needs  with   your   personal   tutor   and   put   a   plan   in  place   to   develop   the   skills   you   need.   Finally,   tell   prospective   employers   about   the   skills   you   have.  They  will  be  interested.  

 

How  might  employers  ask  me  about  my  teamwork  skills?  

 This  will  depend  on  the   job  you  are  applying   for.  Typical   interview  questions  where  your  oral   skills  could  be  useful  include:  

1. “Think   about   an   example   of   how   you   worked   effectively   with   others   to   accomplish   an  important  result.  What  did  you  do?  What  was  the  result?”    

2. “Describe  a  situation  in  which  you  had  to  arrive  at  a  compromise.  What  was  your  role?  What  steps  did  you  take?  What  was  the  end  result?”    

3. “Tell  me  about  how  you  gained  the  attention  and  respect  of  other  team  members”    

4. “How  do  you  work  with  someone  who  doesn’t  share  the  same  ideas  as  you?”    

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5. “Does  it  matter  that  you  are  always  expected  to  be  accountable  for  your  actions  in  a  team?”  

6. “How  similar  to  your  normal  course  work  was  working  in  a  team  on  your  placement  year?”    

Notes  and  action  points  on  teamwork  skills  Ways  in  which  my  course  is  developing  my  teamwork  skills    How  well  developed  are  my  teamwork  skills  at  the  present  time?  How  I  will  evidence  and  record  my  teamwork  skills    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

       

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This  resource  is  written  for  students  

 Leadership  Skills  

 

Why  are  Leadership  Skills  important?  

Aspects  of  your  University  studies  will   require  you  to  direct  the  work  of  others.  Having  the  skills  to  organise  others  and  get  the  most   from  them  is  critical.  Many  graduates  take  on   leadership  roles   in  organisations   quite   soon   after   appointment.   Many   employers   want   graduates   to   assume  responsibility  early  and  good  leadership  skills  can  help  you  progress.  Recognising  the  leadership  skills  of  groups  you  lead  will  ensure  you  get  the  most  from  colleagues  with  whom  you  work.  It  will  make  your  life  easier.  

What  aspects  of  Leadership  Skills  can  I  develop?  

I  set  common  goals  and  lead  collaborative  approaches  to  achieving  them  

• I  use  problem-­‐solving  and  decision-­‐making  skills  appropriately  • I  can  motivate  others  and  appreciate  their  contributions  • I  share  information  openly  in  the  interests  of  the  team  • I  can  adapt  my  behaviour  to  suit  different  roles  and  situations  • I  empower  colleagues  I  lead  

 

I  use  the  role  of  leader  to  assist,  support  and  motivate  others  

• I  develop  my  team  members  • I  use  plans  and  am  organised  and  effective  • I  cope  with  competing  pressures  well  • I  act  consistently  • I  behave  with  integrity  • I  delegate  • I  apply  high  values  • I  am  sensitive  to  circumstances,  belief  and  feelings  of  others  • I  seek  advice  and  support  when  needed  

 

I  use  group  dynamics  to  review  team  progress  and  secure  outcomes  

 

I  use  feedback  to  improve  my  own  performance  and  the  performance  of  team  members  

• I  can  analyse  critically  the  quality  of  my  own  work  • I  can  analyse  the  work  of  others  

 

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How  can  I  develop  and  record  these  skills?  

All   academic   and   tutorial   activities   are   structured   to   support   development   of   your   skills.   How   a  course   develops   your   skills   will   vary.   It   may   be   the   way   you   learn,   or   how   your   course   and   its  assignments  are   structured.   It   could  be   through   the   tutorial   system  and   the   skills   you  use  working  with  your  tutor.  

To   help   you   improve   skills   quickly   there  will   be   opportunities   to   practise   and   receive   feedback   on  them.   Be   sure   to   ask   for   feedback   from   all   your   lecturers   on   your   skill   development   and   review  progress  regularly  with  your  personal  tutor.  Record  your  development  in  your  portfolio.  

The  skills  you  use  to  manage  your  academic  studies  are  the  same  ones  you  use  to  manage  your  life.  Look   for   opportunities   to   develop   skills   in   all   parts   of   your   life.   Your   part-­‐time   job,   recreational  interests,   sports   clubs,   committee   work,   leisure   activities,   work   placement,   vacation   work   can  convince  an  employer  that  you  have  the  skills  they  want.  

Keep  a   record  of  what  you  do  and   the  skills  you  used.  Note  how  you  used  skills   in  new  situations,  whether   you   applied   them   at   an   unusually   high   level,   or   used   them   in   new,   unfamiliar   or   testing  conditions.  

You  can  store  evidence  and  track  your  achievements  in  an  eportfolio.  You  can  bring  all  skills  together  in  a  GAE  Grid.  Use  it  to  review  your  progress  in  all  the  skill  areas.  Detail  your  successes  and  concerns,  and   identify  where   you   need   help.  Discuss   your   needs  with   your   personal   tutor   and   put   a   plan   in  place   to   develop   the   skills   you   need.   Finally,   tell   prospective   employers   about   the   skills   you   have.  They  will  be  interested.  

How  might  employers  ask  me  about  my  Leadership  Skills?  

This  will  depend  on  the  job  you  are  applying  for.  Typical  interview  questions  where  your  leadership  skills  could  be  useful  include:  

1. “When  working  on  a  team  project  have  you  ever  had  an  experience  where  there  was  a  strong  disagreement  within  the  group?  How  did  you  resolve  it?”    

2. “Tell  me  about  a  time  when  you  worked  on  a  team  whose  members  did  not  get  along”    

3. “Describe  a  situation  when  you  were  able  to  build  team  spirit  at  a  time  of  low  morale”    

4. “How  have  you  recognised  and  rewarded  a  team  player  in  the  past?  What  was  the  situation?  What  did  you  do?”    

5. “What  sort  of  leader  are  you?  “    

6. “How  would  your  team  describe  your  leadership  skills?”    

 

 

 

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Notes  and  action  points  on  leadership  skills  Ways  in  which  my  course  is  developing  my    leadership  skills    How  well  developed  are  my  leadership  skills  at  the  present  time?  How  I  will  evidence  and  record  my    leadership  skills    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Career  Management  Skills  This   section   has   resources   on   career  management.   It   is   drawn   from  well-­‐established   resources   developed   by   the  

careers  team  in  Purple  Door.  The  contribution  of  employability  and  career  management  skills  to  career  development  

are  covered,  as  is  the  role  of  the  eportfolio  in  evidencing  skills  and  structuring  career  research  activities.  

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   This  resource  is  written  for  students  

Students’  Career  Skills     The   skills   below   contribute   to   career   activities.   Evaluate   your   performance   and   transfer   your   career   issues,  achievements  and  action  plans  to  your  ePortfolio.  You  may  wish  to  use  using  a  simple  traffic  light  system  to  help  you  identify   your   strengths   and   weaknesses.   An   eportfolio   can   be   used   to   manage   your   achievements   and   career  development  activities.  A  university  eportfolio  can  be  accessed  through  your  Moodle  account.  

Career  Skill   Can  you:  

   

What  is  its  current  status    

 Supporting  evidence  and  areas  for  further  

development    

Transferred  to  your  e-­‐portfolio?  

Self  awareness  

 

Identify  your  skills,  interests  and  motivations  that  might  influence  your  career  options?  

Demonstrate  how  your  skills,  interests  and  motivations  might  influence  your  career  search?  

 

     

Opportunity  Awareness  

 

Find  and  understand  the  career  options  open  to  you    Identify  the  specific  skills,  experience  and  qualities  required  for  all  the  opportunities  you  are  interested  in    Identify  and  research  the  labour  market,  vacancy  information  and  recruitment  and  selection  methods  used  by  employers  and  by  course  providers    Demonstrate  an  awareness  of  how  organisations  work  and  make  decisions  to  help  you  secure  a  job    Demonstrate  an  

     

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awareness  of  the  ethical  and  legal  requirements  of  different  professions  and  organisations    Demonstrate  an  awareness  of  the  global  labour  market  taking  into  account  the  impact  of  globalisation  and  your  own  personal  career  goals?      

Decision  Making    

Identify  the  employability  skills  you  need  to  develop  further  in  order  to  achieve  your  personal  career  goals?    Evaluate  how  your  personal  priorities  and  constraints  could  affect  your  career  decisions?    Formulate  an  action  plan  to  achieve  your  career  goals?    

     

Transition  learning  

Recognise  and  demonstrate  what  makes  an  effective  job  or  post  -­‐graduate  study  application?  

 

Recognise  the  purpose  and  understand  the  process  of  common  selection  procedures  (including  interviews  and  assessment  centres)  and  identify  and  prepare  yourself  for  accordingly?    

     

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Personal  Development  Planning  (PDP)  This  section  outlines  how  PDP  can  be  used  to  support,  structure  and  evidence  students’  skills  development.  The  role  

of   the   eportfolio   is   covered,   as   are   outline   suggestions   for   ways   in   which   a   PDP   programme   can   support  

employability  skills  development.    

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This  resource  is  written  for  students

What  is  Personal  Development  Planning  (PDP)?   PDP  supports  you  and  your   learning.   It  helps  you  achieve.   It’s  a  process   that  you  will  use  time  and  again  in  your  academic,  career  search,  professional  and  private  life.  You  will  use  PDP  throughout  your  time  at  the  University  to  review  what  you  have  achieved  and  make  decisions  about  the  options  open  to  you.    

You  will  use  PDP  again  when  you  leave  the  University  to  find  and  develop  your  career.  It  will  help  get  the  right  job  for  you  and  to  make  the  most  of  it.  

While  you  are  studying,  PDP  will  make  you  a  more  effective,  confident  and  independent  learner.  PDP  enables  you  to  recognise  the  progress  you  are  making,   identify  preferred  ways  of  doing  things  and  set  out  what  remains  to  be  done.  Knowing  what  you  have  achieved  and  how  you  achieved  it  allows  you  to  choose  the  right  way  forward  by  using  approaches  which  work  well  for  you.  

PDP  requires  sophisticated  skills.  You  need  to  gather  evidence  of  your  achievements,  reflect  on  what  they  mean  for  you  and  your  aspirations  and  set  out  a  realistic  way  of  achieving  them.    

Progress  in  anything  you  do  requires  that  you  are  clear  about  what  you  want  to  achieve  (your  goals).  Identifying  realistic  goals  and  setting  out  sensible  ways  of  achieving  them  (your  plans)  will  help  you  develop.  As  you  develop,  new  goals  replace  old  goals;  new  plans  replace  old  plans.  

Tutorials  are  built  around  PDP.  Tutorials  are  an  opportunity  to  review  your  goals  and  plans  with  your  tutor,   set  out  ways  of  achieving   them  and  detail  how  your  goals  might  change  as  you  develop  and  improve.  

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This  resource  is  written  for  students  

 Making  Tutorials  work    

 

Tutorials   are   at   the  heart   of   personal   development  planning.    It's  where   your  personal   tutor   helps  you  evaluate  your  progress,  solve  problems  and  identify  opportunities.  

By   planning   tutorials   carefully   you   can   ensure   that   the   important   issues   are   addressed   and   ways  forward  found.  Tutorials  work  best  when  issues  for  discussion  are  relevant,  clear  and  all  parties  are  well  prepared  and  focused  on  finding  solutions.  

Use   the  Tutorial   Preparation   Sheet  to   identify   what   you   want   to   discuss.   This   could   be   your  assignment  marks,   or   the  ways   you   are   being   taught.   It   could   also   be   the   professional   skills   your  course  develops  or  the  study  option  choices  you  have.    

Use   tutorials   to   review   other   issues   affecting   your   progress,   e.g.   your   working   life   (placement  opportunities,   career   options,   PT   jobs,   etc),   or   your   personal   life   (balancing  work   demands,   sport,  cultural  activities,  personal  problems).  Expect  to  be  challenged  in  tutorials.  You  will  be  asked  for  your  ideas  and  solutions,  so  reflect  deeply  on  issues  before  you  go  and  have  proposals  for  how  problems  might  be  solved.  

Ensure   you   have   evidence   to   support   your   situation   e.g.   your   academic  marks   for   a   discussion   on  your   academic   progress,   or   examples   of   learning   activities   for   a   review   of   your   academic  activities.    Use  the  My  Journal  facility  to  store  your  thoughts,  evidence  and  options.  You  can  create  a  page  to  submit  to  your  tutor  based  on  what  you  want  to  discuss.    Tutorials  are  a  powerful  influence  on  your  success.    

Click  here  for  a  simple  document  which  can  help  you  with  tutorials:  http://moodle.port.ac.uk/mod/resource/view.php?id=19963  

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