Communicating your experience
Self-reflection is an essential part in the process of effectively communicating your value to an employer. To give yourself the best future work opportunities, you need to consider all the the skills and experience you have gained through your degree and other activities. It is important that you reflect on your experiences BEFORE you apply for a job or work placement.
The following videos from the UQ employ101x MOOC give a brief overview of the importance of work experience and self-reflection.
Self-presentation
The process of reflecting on your experiences is the beginning of developing your image through self-presentation. In order to present an image of yourself to an employer, you must first identify the skills and experience you have developed at university, work, or other relevant activities.
This module will help you to identify significant work experience, find work experience opportunities in science, and build your image through a portfolio.
The SEAL process
An excellent process that you can use for self-reflection is the SEAL process.
Situation: What was the experience or challenge you faced and what happened to you?
Effect: What impact did it have on you and what were the consequences of this impact?
Action: What action did you take to deal with the new situation and any challenges, and why did you do this?
Learning: What did you learn from the experience and how will you apply this in the future?
For more information about the SEAL process, we recommend completing the UQ employ101x MOOC.
Self-assessment tool
To learn more about your employability, use the self-assessment tool on the Developing Employablity website.
If you’re a science undergraduate or recent graduate, you may have to rely on your experience from university, part-time jobs, or extracurricular activities when applying for science work experience, research placements or your first paid science position.
Below is a brief list of skills and experience common to science graduates that you could reflect upon and use when communicating your suitability for a role.
University
You should think about your experience at university and identify any activities that you think are particularly relevant to a position.
- Lab experience – relevant experimental protocols, techniques, or use of specific equipment and software.
- Fieldwork – experience with specific equipment, environments, or organisms.
- Communication skills – scientific writing, oral presentations, public engagement etc.
- Team work – ability to work in a team, organising meetings etc.
- Leadership & Mentoring – participation in mentoring programs or tutoring (E.g. UQ Leadership and Mentoring Program in Science (LaMPS) and the UQ Science Leaders Academy)
Non-scientific paid work
The experience you may have gained from working in non-scientific positions will likely involve transferrable skills that will be valued by a wide range of employers.
- Responsibility and leadership – supervising and training junior staff.
- Team work – working cooperatively with other staff, following instructions etc.
- Communication skills – professional communication with customers or colleagues, either through oral conversations or email.
Volunteer work, clubs and memberships
If you have participated in volunteer work or performed activities as a member of a club, consider what experience would be valued by a potential employer.
- Responsibility and leadership – chairing or participating in meetings and recording minutes.
- Team work and organisation – developing and running events, volunteering at conferences
- Communication skills – creating newsletters or videos, updating websites etc.
- Science skills – environmental restoration activities, animal/plant identification in the field, or wildlife rehabilitation.
UQ Employability Award
(for current UQ students)
The University of Queensland Employability Award program encourages students to participate in extra-curricular activities and further develop their skills to become well-rounded, highly sought-after graduates.
