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Professional Skills: Career Moves

As a business student you will learn a lot of theory about the way organisations operate. However, when you move into an employment situation, you will be expected to have more than a knowledge of theory. For example, not only will you need to apply your knowledge to the job, but you will need to do so effectively so that you are successful in your role. You will also need well-developed communication skills so that you can interact successfully with all types of people and groups.

Important skills you will require include: working to meet deadlines, conflict resolution, public speaking, the ability to research material, analytical and problem-solving skills and being able to implement projects within your work environment.

How to Develop Skills

There are many activities that can help you to develop these skills while you continue to study. The following list is only a beginning:

• University Activities
• Work Experience
• Professional Organisations
• Non-Profit Organisations
• International Exchange
• Public Speaking

University Activities

The University provides many clubs and social activities in which you can be involved. Most clubs set up displays during orientation week. Two of the more popular and well-known organisations for Business students are Adelaide Business Students' Society (ABSS) and AIESEC.

Students can also be involved at a School level. This is done by representing the student body on School Committees. You can learn a lot about the university, and meeting procedures, by completing a one year stint on a committee. The Business School requires a student on the following committees: BCom Academic Program Committee, BBit Academic Program Commitee, Assessment and Appeals Committee and School Board.

The Business School also produces a Graduate Yearbook and students are encouraged to be involved in the student committee that produces this booklet.

Work Experience

A great deal can be learnt by going out to organisations and being involved in the day to day running of a work place. Work experience can reveal not only the expectations of a job, but can help you choose the specific area in which you would like to work.

You should organise work experience carefully so that it meets your objectives. Negotiate your role carefully. The careers web site provides excellent information on work experience and volunteer work.

Click here if the work experience firm requires a Notification of Insurance Cover.

Professional Organisations

Many professional careers are represented by professional organisations that allow members opportunities to update knowledge and provide networking opportunities. You should look to joining a number of professional organisations while you are a student (it is cheaper) so that you can begin to interact with people who will be your future peers. These networking opportunities can also lead to work experience or jobs.

The following lists some of these professional bodies and a liaison within the Business School where possible:

• Australian Institute of Management (Hussain Rammal)
  
• Australian Institute of Project Management
  
• Australian Market and Social Research Society (Chris Medlin)
  
• Australian Marketing Institute (Chris Medlin)
  
• CPA Australia (Margaret Lightbody)
  
• Chartered Institute of Company Secretaries in Australia
  
• Institute of Internal Auditors
  
• Australian Institute of Office Professionals
  
• Public Relations Institute of Australia
  
• The Institute of Management Consultants
• The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia (Will Mackay)
  

Most of these organisations send out special packages to potential members. The CPAs and the Institute of Chartered Accountants also provide lectures, work experience opportunities and clubs that will enable you to make contact with people in your area of career interest. The Australian Marketing Institute runs seminars during ‘Marketing Week’ in August each year and appreciates student help.

Non-Profit Organisations

Do not forget the non-profit organisations when thinking of work experience. These organisations are often short of skilled staff and are happy to have people with management knowledge.

International Exchange

The University encourages and supports students including international study as part of their course. Click here to find out more about options for studying abroad.

Public Speaking

Employers are looking for graduates who can speak well in both formal and informal situations. Joining groups like Rostrum or Toastmasters will enable you to develop public speaking skills.

As a business student you will learn a lot of theory about the way organisations operate. However, when you move into an employment situation, you will be expected to have more than a knowledge of theory. For example, not only will you need to apply your knowledge to the job, but you will need to do so effectively so that you are successful in your role. You will also need well-developed communication skills so that you can interact successfully with all types of people and groups.

Important skills you will require include: working to meet deadlines, conflict resolution, public speaking, the ability to research material, analytical and problem- solving skills and being able to implement projects within your work environment.