This module follows on from the Professionalism modules in years 1 and 2, it is designed to help prepare students for what they may encounter in their job search and future careers. It will draw on the experience from staff and external visitors.

The successful completion of Years 1,2 & 3 Professionalism modules will be required (by those starting their degree studies from the 2020/21 academic year) in order for the award of the ACSM on completion of degree studies.

The lectures, talks and workshop sessions and self-reflection will develop a deeper understanding of the professional responsibilities working in research or industry roles, particularly the  importance of professional attitudes and communication in terms of these careers and realistic expectations of new graduate roles.. The concepts covered will also be part of individual tutorials and an opportunity for students to reflect, discuss and track their individual journey with their tutors. These are aimed at supporting the students active search for post-graduation employment.

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge

This will be delivered through approximately one and a half days of talks, lectures, workshops and personal activities. Group work will be used as well as interaction with those in Year two and outside organisations.

Developing your own career

Delivering on your job role but use opportunities to broaden, deepen or extend your activities; Plan and develop for not just your current role but for where you would like your career to take you. Exhibit integrity in working with your employer around your aspirations. Develop your network.

Professional communication and working with commercially sensitive data

How to file documents sensibly; Best practice communication corporate culture; responsibility levels; email retrieval; time keeping; commercial realities; the company’s money; contractual arrangements; handling intellectual property and sensitive data. Academic honesty and plagiarism exist in the working environment and can impact both companies and academic research; the consequences for this are much higher in the working environment. 

Developing a professional attitude

Making a smooth transition from university life to professional working life is challenging and often involves a steep learning curve. Attitudes and behaviours that may have been acceptable between a close groups of friends in university may not be appropriate in a working environment. There are many laws and regulations that apply to the work place and as a member of staff you would be required to complying with these.

Self-evaluation

In order to increase and improve your social, professional and academic skills, it is important to evaluate and understand your own strengths and weaknesses. This is something that you would do with a tutor or a mentor and this should continue in to your early career so that you continue to develop as a person and as a professional in your field. Continue to keep a professional diary and documenting activities that demonstrate your professional development is important for Chartership and industry recognition.  

Expectation Management 

Having a good university degree does not mean you will automatically become a manager. It is very important to understand your role in the hierarchy of your new company. Starting at the bottom is often the norm and is essential for understanding how a company works. It is important to understand how the different departments / people in your organisation work together and appreciating how you fit in, is essential in being a good productive employee. Also need to realistically assess issues on  security, ethical, medical, and lifestyle issues around potential work locations.

N/A

Note: Module assessed on simple pass/fail based on participation and completion of summative assessments.

Reading list for this module: