Three employers were asked  ‘What is an ideal graduate?’:   

1.       A self-confident individual who communicates well at all levels in the organisation. Someone who has a real interest in the work of the company and plenty of drive to set and meet personal and business objectives.  

2.       An individual with initiative and a mature approach to life. Someone who enjoys challenging and creative thinking. A team-player who will work, hands-on, and motivate those around.  

3.       A well-rounded individual with commitment. Someone who demonstrates good thinking ability, a desire to succeed and is able to communicate..

As you progress through your degree studies and university life you will have opportunities to practice and improve many of these skills.

 Skills development is integrated into your modules and will help to identify specific skills, your strengths and weaknesses and show how skills apply to future careers.

In your modules you will improve both scientific skills and generic skills such as oral and written communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. In your hobbies and outside activities you will find additional skills, such as taking responsibility, developing financial skills, negotiating and being adaptable.

Thinking about the skills you are developing and demonstrating, and keeping a record of them will make it easy to fill in job applications and answer interview questions about the things which really matter to employers..