What are graduate attributes? Graduate attributes include the knowledge, skills and attitudes you acquire during the course of your study. At UNSW, graduate attributes include disciplinary knowledge, skills such as oral and written communication, and attitudes such as those that guide ethical behaviour.
What is a portfolio? A Portfolio enables you to record your experiences and achievements relevant to graduate attributes. Reflecting on these experiences helps you to plan the further development of graduate attributes. Documentation of the experiences and achievements allows you to demonstrate to prospective employers the skills and knowledge you have gained while at university.
WHY are Graduate Attributes IMPORTANT? and WHAT CAN UNSW DO?
With the information explosion occurring in today’s society and with the probability of changes in one’s career path throughout life, there is now a much greater need for a constant upgrading of knowledge and skills; thus, learning is becoming a life-long experience. UNSW is promoting student-centred learning and the development of skills required for life-long learning such as higher order thinking, problem solving, critical thinking, reasoning, communication and management skills. These skills or attributes are being seen as increasingly essential by employers. When you start applying for jobs, employers will ask for evidence of these skills and attributes they seek, and you will need to draw on examples from your study, employment, extracurricular activities, and general life experience.
ABOUT THIS WEBSITE
The UNSW STUDENT PORTFOLIO WEBSITE will give you all the information that will help you answer these questions: Why should I create a Portfolio? What do employers want? How do I develop a portfolio, and use it in job applications?
This website is designed to help you construct a portfolio—either by yourself, as part of your university volunteer experience, or as a course requirement.
This website will help you to make the most of your time at UNSW and help you to get the job you really want!
WHAT DO THE ICONS MEAN?
While you are going through this website, you will find highlighted sections on WHAT IF, DEFINITIONS, LINKS and EXAMPLES. These are denoted by the following icons.
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WHAT IF?
While you are developing your portfolio you may have questions relating to your own personal circumstances. Throughout this website, you will find questions and answers. Keep your eyes open for the WHAT IF? icon. The information may well apply to you. |
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LINKS
Links to other websites both within and external to UNSW will be made available throughout the website. This will link to valuable information on support networks, career development and many other useful organisations. |
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DEFINITIONS
Definitions of things will be explained along the way but many will be included in the Glossary. |
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FOR EXAMPLE
This website provides many examples of students’ experience, how they describe them for the portfolio and the benefits of using portfolios. These examples could give you a starting point for describing your own personal experiences. |
