Employability and Graduate Qualities
The programs offered in CIS have direct application to the workplace.
Technical Skills
From your studies, you should easily identify the technical skills you are learning, for example; knowledge of information systems, application technologies, software, systems infrastructure, computer hardware and architecture.
You are equipped with the skills required to work as a professional. In the workplace you will continue to learn new skills and enhance the skills you have already developed through your degree.
Your Qualities
Employers are not just looking for technical skills; they want to see that you have specific qualities (also called competencies). Most employers will have a carefully considered list of competencies required in potential employees. These qualities can be found on employer's websites and in job descriptions, for example; team work, problem solving, communication skills.
Employers like to ask questions about your past experience relating to their competencies. This is effective as your past performance is a good indicator of your potential. By looking at your qualities, employers can decide between two students who may have exactly the same degree.
Consider how you have already developed some qualities at University and in other aspects of your life. If you feel that you are lacking in some areas you still have time to address this.
Graduate Qualities Developed at University
Your program has provided you with the opportunity to learn Graduate Qualities. The first of these specifically addresses the intellectual learning from your program. The other six are qualities often required by employers. Employers will sometimes describe their requirements using different words:
- Operate effectively with and upon a body of knowledge
- Prepared for lifelong learning
- Effective problem solvers
- Work both autonomously and collaboratively
- Committed to ethical action and social responsibility
- Communicate effectively
- International perspective
Think through some of your projects, group work and assignments which demonstrate these qualities. Have a look in the Course Information for examples showing how you have acquired these skills.
Employability Developed Outside the Classroom
You may have also developed qualities from participating in sports, voluntary work, raising a family, travel, student societies, and other interests, whether building model aeroplanes or learning foreign languages.
Employers want to hear about all of these activities through specific examples which demonstrate your learning and enthusiasm.
Recording Experiences which demonstrate your Qualities
Having a record of your experience will be useful when you are preparing a CV, application form, or responding to selection criteria.