Know your skills

As a research graduate you will be attractive to employers because of your advanced skills and research expertise. The PDF below contains a list of resources, online tools and exercises that can help you assess your current level of transferable skills. These will include

      an ability to analyse and interpret large amounts of complex data or information in a short time scale
      outstanding written communication skills including reports, papers and summary documents
      the skills to persuade, negotiate and influence discussions around new ideas and also in relationships
      the ability to create, nurture and sustain effective working relationships with colleagues and supervisors
      experience of dealing with a complex project over a three year period and managing the different stages
      excellent presentation skills 
      world class research expertise in your chosen field
      the ability to overcome problems and challenges . 
             

Having identified what skills you have to offer an employer, you will also need to consider which of these skills are your strongest.

Values and motivations

Values define a person; they form a crucial part of their sense of identity and give insight into their fundamental motivations. It is crucial to know what your underlying values and motivations are in finding work that you will enjoy and get a sense of achievement from. You will also need to be aware of the values that different organisations have as you may find it difficult to get job satisfaction if you work in an organisation with which your values are not aligned.

The PDF below contains resources to help you to think about and identify your core values and motivations.

Skills, values and motivation assessment