When you start studying at the University of Edinburgh we don't expect you to have the Graduate Attributes as soon as you start. You may already have the foundations for some of them from your previous experiences, and while you study at the University they will develop and will continue growing in your life after graduation.
Developing your Graduate Attributes comes from all parts of your life. From your studies, from extra-curricular activities such as a part-time job, or from co-curricular experiences such as joining a society or helping with a research project.
Having the Graduate Attributes Framework helps you:
- recognise the skills and mindsets you already have and how these can be used, now and in the future
- think about your experiences (within and outside your degree) in a different way and recognise the value and learning you are gaining from them
- identify what skills and abilities you need and how these can be developed
- seek out opportunities to develop your unique set of attributes.
You should reflect on your current strengths, what skills and abilities you need and how these can be developed. More information about how to do this can be found on the following webpages:
Students: developing your Graduate Attributes
The University of Edinburgh Graduate Attributes Framework
Do Graduate Attributes help me get a job?
In short, yes, but there is a lot more to the Graduate Attributes than just getting a job when you graduate. They help develop and shape your whole student experience - developing a strong set of Graduate Attributes will help you in being more successful in your career, in your studies and research, and in your contribution to society.
For information and support on developing your employability, gaining work experience, finding and securing jobs, and planning for your future, visit the Careers Service website.