ESSENTIAL QUICK READ: A quick guide to Future-Facing Graduate Competencies and why employers want them
We have chosen four future-facing graduate competencies that we want every Queen Mary University of London graduate to exemplify and combine in their graduate CV:
Global Outlook, Digital Skills, Communication and Collaboration Skills, Leadership.
These tables give you a quick reference for the ingredients of those competencies and why they matter to employers.
| Short Definition | Key Ingredients | |
|---|---|---|
| Knowledge | Informed about global trends relevant to your preferred professional sector and career ambitions. |
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| Skills | Able to communicate sensitively in a multi-cultural environment |
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| Attitude | Valuing diverse perspectives and backgrounds for their contribution to effective teamwork and workplace achievement |
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Why do employers want recruits with a global outlook?
Because many organisations now operate globally. Your future colleagues, customers and stakeholders will be located all over the world. Employers look for recruits who can add value to their organisation through multi-perspective thinking and multi-cultural collaboration.
An employer speaks
"Having a global outlook helps to ensure that you have cultural understanding that helps inclusive and diverse teams perform better. In a business like ours it is really important as we are global and represent over 50+ nationalities. This understanding that we have of our differences makes us curious to learn and work sensitively with colleagues from all over the world to make positive impact to benefit our travellers, partners and skyscanner." Bob Athwal, Senior Talent Manager, skyscanner, 2019
By undertaking a Queen Mary University of London qualification, you are already part of a global community.
| Short Definition | Key Ingredients | |
|---|---|---|
| Knowledge | Knowhow in the common standard technologies of the professional workplace |
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| Skills | Ability to create digital content appropriate to your chosen professional field |
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| Attitude | An enthusiastic learner in one area of technological development |
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Why do employers want recruits with digital skills?
Because all sectors are being transformed and disrupted by technology. And employers need recruits eager to embrace that transformation.
An employer speaks
"Digital skills are entering all areas of work and are becoming a must-have for most employers. Businesses increasingly need to use the best digital technology and data to drive innovation and productivity. As a result, the majority of jobs have a digital element and require graduates with digital skills". Kate Croucher, FDM, 2019
| Short Definition | Key Ingredients | |
|---|---|---|
| Knowledge | Informed about effective communication styles and relationship-building techniques |
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| Skills | Able to develop good working relationships and networks |
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| Attitude | Calm in conflict and challenge, embodying team spirit |
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Why do employers want recruits with communication and collaboration skills?
Because good communication skills are the foundation of making anything happen in any organisation and virtually all work takes places in teams and networks of relationships.
An employer speaks
"Building relationships is a big part of success at KPMG. Ours is a diverse and inclusive culture. Whichever area of our business you join, you'll work as part of a team on a regular basis. So we are looking for people who enjoy sharing and discussing ideas. Client contact is also a huge part of what we do, so being able to make lasting connections is crucial." KPMG 2019
Top Tip: Grow your communication and collaboration skills by volunteering for teamwork within and outside the classroom.
| Short Definition | Key Ingredients | |
|---|---|---|
| Knowledge | Understanding of the components of leadership, intrapreneurship and “growth mindset” (Dweck 2017) |
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| Skills | A good motivator of yourself and others to achieve in challenging situations |
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| Attitude | Quick to take the initiative in making things better |
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Why do employers want recruits with leadership qualities?
Because in a fast-changing environment, they want recruits who will take the initiative to spot opportunities, solve problems and inspire others to contribute to the success of the organisation.
An employer speaks
"Taking ownership and personal leadership help individuals to pivot when things perhaps haven’t gone to plan. Coping with failure and setbacks is a huge part of the learning process and graduates that can lead themselves typically bounce back are more resilient to change. These leadership qualities help them to become better individuals firstly and then leaders of others." Bob Athwal, Senior Talent Manager, Skyscanner
Top Tip: Grow your leadership qualities through voluntary activities.
