Enhancing job prospects for science graduates
Employers say they're pleased with the technical ability of science and technology graduates, but that they need better-developed communication skills. A postgraduate qualification in communication may therefore be a useful addition to your CV.
Last year, Macquarie University surveyed a large number of employers as part of a major science, engineering and technology study focusing on the observed decline in university enrolments in these areas throughout Australia over a number of years.
The survey results
Interestingly, when asked what skills were lacking in science and technology graduates, these employers appeared to place more importance on generic rather than specific skills. In particular, communication skills came under the spotlight: 'effective written communication skills' were deemed essential by nearly 100 per cent of respondents; 80 per cent cited oral communication skills as essential also; and other desirable criteria for over 60 per cent of respondents included 'effective listening skills', 'effective networking skills', and 'ability to work and communicate in a team setting'.
These results do not surprise Paul Cheung, Manager of Programs in Communication in Professions and Organisations within the Department of Linguistics at Macquarie University.
"In surveys all around the world employers and senior managers almost invariably give negative feedback about junior staff, and communication always comes up as an issue," he says.
Cheung says that when choosing careers and undertaking training, people often underestimate the importance of communication in their future role - regardless of their specific sector.
"One statistic that has been bandied around quite a bit is that engineers spend about 30 per cent of their time writing, in this case writing reports. Scientists and those who work in technological areas don't spend all their time working on calculations, that's just a stereotype - they actually spend a lot of time writing and talking.
"Given a number of years of professional experience, especially at the junior and middle management level, most prospective candidates will realise that there is more to their jobs than what they've learned in the textbooks from their previous studies or what's in the self-help books you can get from the bookstore. By that time they'll have realised that there is a big gap between theory and practice. What our suite of programs addresses is that very gap. It doesn't really matter what field you work in, because each profession or sector is equally dependent on communication."
About the programs
The Communication in Professions and Organisations programs offered by Macquarie University focus on enabling candidates to more effectively describe, interpret, and evaluate communication practices in the contemporary workplace.
The programs include three tiers - Certificate, Diploma and Masters levels - each progressively integrated with the next. Candidates can progress through the tiers at their own pace in either on-campus or on-line mode, or a combination of both. Advanced coursework and research is also available through the Doctor of Professional Communication.
For further information contact Paul Cheung at paul.cheung@ling.mq.edu.au or on (02) 9850 9601 or visit www.ling.mq.edu.au/programs/communication