Employability skills (Monash Malaysia)

Employability skills are transferrable skills that are also often referred to as ‘enterprise skills’, 'communication skills' or ‘workplace skills. These skills contribute to an individual’s success in the workplace.

Nine key employability skills

Monash University has identified nine key employability skills you’ll need to develop to ensure career success

Communication

Ways to demonstrate this skill

• Being assertive or confident in dealing with a variety of people in new situations
• Speaking clearly and directly to individuals or groups.
• Writing persuasively

Examples of experiences

• Writing assignments and reports.
• Presenting and participating in class discussions.
• Engaging with clients to provide advice or services

Keywords

Creativity and Innovation

Ways to demonstrate this skill

• Working creatively with others and implementing innovations.
• Applying and recognising new ideas to develop new products and strategies

Examples of experiences

• Developing new branding strategies for a marketing project
• Brainstorming for team projects
• Designing and developing new innovative products for an engineering final year project

Keywords

Initiative and Enterprise

Ways to demonstrate this skill

• Strategic thinking and solution-focused
• Lead to improve processes and systems
• Able to identify and capitalise on new opportunities

Examples of experiences

• Obtaining internship or placement opportunities
• Run own business
• Provide innovative solutions for project/assignments in teams or student groups

Keywords

Professionalism

Ways to demonstrate this skill

• Prepare for work and meetings
• Keep your to-do lists updated
• Speak well and listen better

Examples of experiences

• Be well prepared with questions, presentation files and equipment for your meetings
• Dress appropriately during your internship/work placement

Keywords

Planning and Organisation

Ways to demonstrate this skill

• Managing work timelines and prioritising task
• Allocating and coordinating tasks for self and others.
• Anticipating future needs and forward planning.

Examples of experiences

• Project planning or managing an event.
• Arranging study and work commitments to support yourself at university.
• Organising networking, fundraising, sporting or social activities.

Problem Identification and Solution

Ways to demonstrate this skill

• Conducting research to find solutions
• Analysing issues and proposing solutions
• Thinking critically and synthesising data

Examples of experiences

• Working on assessment exercises such as a research project
• Participating in placement or internship
• Taking part in industrial challenges and proposing change management solutions

Teamwork

Ways to demonstrate this skill

• Working in a team to achieve a common goal.
• Sharing information, supporting and empowering other team members.
• Responding constructively to the opinions of others.

Examples of experiences

• Working on group assignments at university.
• Being involved in a student society, sports team or community organisation.
• Working in a team in employment.

Intercultural Competence

Ways to demonstrate this skill

• Communicate effectively and appropriately with people of other cultures.
• Ability to recognise multiple perspectives.

Examples of experiences

Joining a project with a diverse group of teammates

Taking part in club and societies activities and joining cultural events in the University

Use of Tools and Technology

Ways to demonstrate this skill

• Proficiency in using computers and telecommunications systems.
• Understanding current trends and developments Managing information through technology.

Examples of experiences

• Sourcing information with electronic databases.
• Using specialised software packages for course/occupation.
• Managing project timelines with software.

How can you develop your employability skills while studying?

Monash provides you with many platforms and opportunities for you to develop your employability skills while studying. Consider engaging in:

• internships and industry placements
• actively participating in-class presentations and group assignments
• study abroad and exchange programme
• virtual internship opportunities
• volunteering for social courses
• extra-curricular activities (sport, hobbies etc.)
• clubs and societies on campus
• completing employability modules offered through programs such as Leap into Leadership Online.