RANKING GRADUATE COMPETENCES: PERSPECTIVES FROM EMPLOYERS AND ACADEMIA

One way in which universities can articulate the outcomes of a university education is by describing the competences developed by a student in the course of the studies. These competences could then be mapped onto employers' expectations for graduates ensuring a more seamless transition into the workplace. A possible barrier to this mapping process is for academics and employers to have different perceptions of the importance of equipping students with various competences. During a two month period, a national survey was conducted in Ireland of Higher Education Institution (HEI) staff and students and public and private sector employers. A total of 2677 responses were collected. 962 (36%) of responses came from HEI staff members, 1402 responses came from students (52%), while 235 responses were from the public and private employer sector (9%). The survey showed general consensus between academic staff and employers as to which competences were perceived as most important. The top competences range from being to apply knowledge practically, having knowledge and understanding of a subject area, being able to interact well with others, having leadership skills, being able to organise oneself and one's time, being adept at communicating, and the ability to work in a team. There was also agreement on the need for academics and employers to share responsibility for the development of student competences and the majority of respondents were supportive of efforts to embed generic competences into the curriculum.