Introductory text for Developing Future-Facing Graduate Competencies

Welcome to this topic on Developing Future-Facing Graduate Competencies

Competencies are enhanced skills. They have extra dimensions. They can be described as a rich combination of knowledge, skills and attitudes (as outlined by Malcolm Knowles in 1975) When you are truly competent in an aspect of working life, you understand the core knowledge; you know how and when to apply it, and you are motivated to do so.

Having some strong professional competencies makes you a real asset in the workplace and gives you great potential for career development. For example, someone with high professional competency in communication will know a rich range of communication styles and techniques, be able to apply them skillfully, according to context and audience, and be motivated to share what they know and also to learn from other

In this topic, we are focusing on four future-facing competencies:

  Global Outlook

  Digital Skills

  Communication and Collaboration Skills

  Leadership

These aspirational graduate competencies build on the foundation of the skills that you will be developing as part of your degree which is also valued by employers of graduates. As you study, you will be developing skills such as critical thinking, analytical skills and written and oral communication skills. You may also be developing teamwork and people skills which students often develop through work-experience and volunteering. To launch your graduate career and to progress well, it is advantageous to evaluate your level of future-facing graduate competencies against a structured framework and commit to a plan of personal career development. It is wise to build on your strengths and to identify ways in which you can strengthen your weaknesses. You can start that process here.

Work experience often accelerates the development of your competencies but can sometimes be difficult to source in your preferred sector or to fit in with your study schedule. Therefore in this topic, we will explore the beneficial impact of the voluntary and extra-curricular activity on your professional competency development and encourage you to grow by undertaking such experiences.

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References

Knowles, M. S. (1975). Self-directed learning: A guide for learners and teachers. Englewood Cliffs: Prentice Hall/Cambridge.