• Get ready for your career in science
• You and the job you want
• What is self assessment?
• Finding career direction
• Definition of skills and attributes
• Identify your own skills and attributes
• Produce a work related summary of your skills and attributes
• Keeping records
• Building your career portfolio further
• Setting goals
• Employers and the labour market
• Practical Skills to Find Work
• Useful Resources

You and the job you want

Definition of skills and attributes

Knowing what you have to offer an employer is an important aspect of preparing yourself to enter the workforce.  Being able to state clearly the skills and attributes you have to enable you to perform a job role well is expected of you as a job candidate.

It is also important that as a job seeker you recognise that your broader life experiences, such as work, travel, community involvements and extra-curricular activities have enhanced your skills and knowledge, and your potential for occupations can be influenced by these experiences as well as your field of study.

What are skills and attributes?

Skills and attributes refer to the qualities that enable you to apply knowledge in a practical way to get something done.   

As a science graduate you may have developed many technical or professional skills including IT competencies, familiarity with a range of laboratory techniques and procedures, capabilities in field work and record keeping, research and analytical skills through both study and work experiences;  knowledge of health and safety standards, analytical methods in accordance with guidelines and professional ethics in your field.

As well as technical competencies you may have developed other attributes relevant to a contemporary workplace.  These are often referred to as “transferable work skills” or “employability skills” and examples include communication, leadership, team work, problem solving, initiative and enterprise, planning and organising.

Personal characteristics can also enhance your abilities in the workplace and guide your behaviours towards other people and situations.  

Examples of personal characteristics relevant to workplaces include enthusiasm for your field of work, commitment to on-going learning, having integrity and being honest, being flexible and adaptable, having a sense of humour and a balanced attitude to work and life.