An empirical approach to identifying employability skills required of graduates in the environmental sciences

Abstract

<jats:p> Universities are under pressure to produce work-ready graduates. This study analyzed 130 job advertisements to identify skills required by environmental science employers in Australia. For degree-related criteria, the most frequently required were content knowledge, a tertiary qualification and experience. Other desired skills were an understanding of environmental legislation, and an ability to undertake Geographical Information Systems (GIS) analysis, fieldwork, ecological surveys and species identification. For generic skills, more than half of advertisements required strong interpersonal, communication, writing and project management skills. It was concluded that universities should prioritize skills that occur most frequently in advertisements, and students should be given opportunities to participate in work experience. This would involve nurturing oral and written communication and teamwork skills, while equipping students with the ability to undertake ecological surveys in the field, identify important plants and animals, and conduct data analysis using GIS approaches. Senior undergraduate and postgraduate programs should include content on environmental policy and legislation, and the opportunity for students to hone their project and time management skills. </jats:p>

Do Students Value On-Campus Field-Based Education? A Case Study of Science Educational Initiatives in the Jock Marshall Reserve

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“…Okolie et al (2019, p. 3) define generic skills as ‘key skills or core competencies that are significantly used in the present conversations in society, working life and education’. Examples of generic skills are problem-solving, communicating, curiosity, adaptability and flexibility, creativity and initiative, patience, teamwork, good time management, lifelong learning, critical thinking, persistence, resilience and courage (Matsouka, 2016; Okolie et al, 2019; Pitan, 2016; Riebe et al, 2013; Stewart, 2020).…”

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