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Employability- Qualities employers look for

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Research the qualities that employers seek, and plan to develop these during your university years. Employers will expect that you have developed specific expertise during your degree. In addition to this they will be looking for a range of personal qualities - these are what will set you apart from others and help you to win your choice of jobs. To develop your personal qualities, you may need to consider becoming involved in university clubs, sports, vacation work or work experience, volunteer work or community activities.

Results from a recent national survey of employers who recruit graduates from the University of Newcastle show:

Qualities that employers look for in graduates from university:

Self-confidence
A willingness to learn
Understanding of self
Good self esteem
The ability to be creative
Skills to find and assess information
The ability to solve problems
Oral communication skills
Written communication skills
Academic rigour
A multi-disciplinary perspective
An awareness of ethical issues
Desire to continue learning
Teamwork skills
Skills to implement change
The skills to plan own work
Flexibility, adaptability
Conceptual and analytical skills
Independent judgement
Assertiveness
Ambition, a desire to improve self
A willingness to accept directions, motivation to work, a positive attitude
Reliability, interpersonal skills
Leadership skills
Organisational, time management skills
Understanding of research methodology
Negotiation skills, computer technology skills, international awareness
International experience
Functional/technical skills
Source: Survey of Employer Expectations and Satisfaction 2001