Develop Skills
You should have developed a number of skills during your time at Sheffield through studying, training and extra-curricular activities and be able to provide evidence of them when applying for jobs.
Job application forms may ask you to describe situations in which you have demonstrated particular skills and you may also be asked for evidence at interview. Questions could include: give an example of when you have led a group, organised your time or managed a project. Additionally, Assessment Centres may ask you to perform a range of tasks which are assessed against a specified set of skills.
How can you develop your skills?Coming to University provides many opportunities to develop new skills and further enhance your existing ones. In addition to the skills related to your subject, your course can develop skills such as communication, teamwork, time management, negotiation and problem solving through group work, presentations, written reports and research. Your skills can also be developed through activities such as obtaining work experience, volunteering, being part of a sports team, taking on a leadership role in a student society, or organising fundraising initiatives. Skills for SuccessA series of practical, interactive workshop style sessions run by graduate employers - Skills for Success sessions provide opportunities for you to learn about and practise your ‘employability’ skills eg teamworking, negotiation skills, project management etc and can contribute to the Sheffield Graduate Award. Skills for Work CertificateUse your work experience to demonstrate to future employers that you have the necessary skills to function in the workplace. The Skills for Work Certificate can also count towards the Sheffield Graduate Award. Sheffield Graduate AwardThe award recognises the skills and experience you have gained through work experience, voluntary work, membership of clubs and societies and international relations. Enterprise & Entrepreneurship workshopsA range of support is available to help you develop your enterprise skills. Activities can also count towards the Sheffield Graduate Award. Employability and information literacyThe University Library has produced an information skills resource to help you develop your skills in information literacy. Taste of Work | Taste of Work PlusA helpful solution for students with no work experience. Experience SheffieldAs a student at The University of Sheffield you have access to hundreds of opportunities to make your university experience unforgettable. Your experience will make you even more employable when you graduate. Find out what you can do, how you can get involved and what you can get out your experience. |
Briefing booklets
The Sheffield useful guide libraryThis series of online guides will help you to develop and reflect on skills and more (you will need your University username and password) Online talks and resourcesSkills employers look for
Make the most of your work experience
The Essential skills series (Accenture)These short films available on YouTube provide career tips and pointers from senior executives, consultants and analysts. The sort of things they wish they’d known when they started out. Skills that will help you get your first step on the career ladder – whether that’s a graduate role or your first internship – and the skills you’ll need when you get there. |