The Skills Employers Want (That You Don’t Always Learn in a Lecture Theatre)

AKA choosing the right uni to get you the career you want

This article is presented in partnership with the University of Notre Dame Australia.

When choosing a uni, it’s easy to think that landing your future job after graduation comes down to just two things: your grades and having a degree.

But employers also care about the skills you build along the way.

Employers primarily look for a blend of soft skills (interpersonal) and hard skills (technical) which show efficiency, adaptability, and cultural fit.

Skills like communication (presenting, writing, and speaking to professionals), critical thinking and problem solving, teamwork, collaboration and time management.

They’re the kind of qualities that make someone ready for work, not just ready for exams.

So how do you bridge that gap between what students think matters and what your future hiring manager is actually looking for?

That’s where the University of Notre Dame Australia comes in.

You’ll be taught by lecturers with industry experience.

From your first class, you’re being taught by lecturers with industry experience. That means learning exactly the skills you need for the career you’re studying for.

Lecturers like finance experts with banking experience, marketing professionals with international experience, and education specialists with extensive school leadership backgrounds.

Studying alongside lecturers with that much experience is also great for building connections when you’re just starting out. Plus, you can learn about what to expect after you graduate and know the kind of paths you can take in your field of interest.

Talk to your tutors about potential work opportunities, connect with them to learn the ins and outs of the industry. And you could even ask a lecturer you’re friendly with about a letter of recommendation when you’re applying for jobs. 

Career support throughout your whole course.

No need to stress over your career journey while you study or even after you graduate. Notre Dame Uni has a Careers & Employability team that offers career support to students from your first year to up to 18 months after graduation.

They offer one-on-one appointments, resume building, interview coaching, and workshops to improve employability.

You can take seminars on writing resumes, cover letters, understanding selection criteria and interview techniques.

Plus, there’s a career fairs available which means more opportunity to meet employers and build industry connections before you submit that last assignment or exam.

Work placement opportunities to build your resume.

The University of Notre Dame Australia offers heaps of work placement and practicum opportunities for students, mostly organised through your degree and the Careers & Employability team.

Some placements are required for your degree, such as practicums for education and health students.

Other opportunties are available through your faculty, such as the new, free tax clinic for commerce students. 

Ever wanted to go overseas for work? You can with Notre Dame Uni.

They offer overseas work placements, internships and short-term study tours during the summer or winter breaks. They’re great for boosting employability and providing students with global experience. Plus, who doesn’t want to do a bit of travel while they study? It’s a win-win situation.

Notre Dame Uni also has a Practicum Support Scheme to help students undertaking full-time compulsory practicums as part of their program.

The scheme can provide financial assistance where placements significantly impact your ability to work so you don’t have to worry about sacrificing your income for placement.

Assessment styles that mimic real-world tasks.

At Notre Dame Uni, many units use authentic assessment styles that mirror real-world professional tasks.

For example, if you’re studying education, it means creating lesson plans, teaching resources or learning programs.

And you can boost your communications and team-work skills with group projects that mimic workplace teamwork, with formal presentations to a “client” or panel.

It’s so much more than just writing essays or giving presentations, it’s completing real world work that will actually help you after you graduate. 

The University of Notre Dame Australia offers far more than a place to earn a degree. Ready to take the next step in your academic journey?

Learn more about the University of Notre Dame Australia here.