Your degree...what next? : Skills gained

Why do I need to identify my skills?

• It helps you to see what you have to offer and plan your next move.
• It will aid you in seeing beyond the degree title and module content.
• Many application forms ask detailed, skills-specific questions.
• Greater skills knowledge will help to boost your CV and application forms.
• The interview process often involves competency (skills-based) questions or scenario questions where examples of your skills in practice are required.

What skills do I have?

Studying for a degree develops a range of skills including:

• critical and analytical thinking;
• planning and organisation;
• research methods;
• time management;
• project management;
• advanced IT skills;
• presentation skills;
• group/team working.

To effectively understand the skills you have you should start with a skills audit. A skills audit involves reviewing what you have done and where you want to go. It can help boost your confidence and see where your strengths and abilities lie.

Start an audit by taking each of the skills required by an employer and thinking of an example of that skill in practice. As a graduate you will have lots of different areas of your life with which to draw upon for your skills audit. These include:

• your degree - think about course work, specific modules and project work;
• work experience - think about work placements, project work as part of your degree and part-time jobs;
• volunteering;
• previous employment before you came to university;
• hobbies, interests, out-of-university activities, clubs, sports, etc.

Another good resource when identifying your skills is the Windmills programme.

Skills in context

Once you have reviewed your skills and experiences, you should have a clearer picture of what your skills are and if there are any gaps in skills that need to be addressed. There are many opportunities available for graduates to further enhance their skills and experiences. Further study, employment, internships, voluntary work, travel and time out are all great ways of building up ones experience and skills. See action plan for more ideas.

You should also consider your skills in relation to your interests and personality. To find out more, ask your higher education (HE) careers service if they have access to personality questionnaires or try the assessment tools and personality tests in psychometric tests.

Marketing your degree to employers

Employers will value your qualifications as well as any skills and experience you have acquired. It is essential that you demonstrate how your degree can be of use in the particular job you are applying for. Ensure your transferable skilled are clearly highlighted in your CV and covering letter.
 
For more information on how to make the most of your expertise and competencies, see selling your skills.