Enhance your experience at university by preparing for success
Getting skilled in your degree is only part of the journey to your dream career. The other part is gaining employability skills, also known as soft skills, which are the personal qualities, habits, and abilities that help you build trust and gain a competitive advantage in the workplace.
Knowing how to effectively communicate your skills, qualifications and extra-curricular activities gives you the confidence to talk to people in your chosen field.
This is where the Adelaide Graduate Award comes in — it's a free program designed to enhance your employability.
By participating in the Adelaide Graduate Award program, you'll get the chance to develop some vital employability skills that employers are always on the lookout for. And with hundreds of activities to choose from, you can pick and choose as many as you like. If you're already involved in extra-curricular activities, this award will help you get some well-deserved recognition for your hard work.
The program is completely free and if you are enrolled in a degree — you can participate. And the best part? You don’t have to worry about adding extra work to your degree, as the program runs alongside it!
During the program, you’ll get recognition for paid work, volunteering opportunities, attend career workshops, and practise honing your reflective writing skills. Plus, you’ll have your final study period to complete the program. Once you’re done, you’ll receive a certificate of recognition that will be added to your transcript.
Don’t just take our word for it; hear from our Career and Employability Ambassador Wei Theng, who found the program to be an incredible help in staying motivated and keeping her studies on track.
Wei Theng is participating in the Adelaide Graduate Award.
What are some of the highlights from your time in the program?
One of the most rewarding experiences was volunteering at the Regent Arcade Lifeblood Donor Centre where I monitored and took care of donors. I also had the opportunity to support the Faculty of SET during orientation by providing information to students about volunteering opportunities.
As a Career and Employability Ambassador, I gained experience with event coordination and promotion at Career Expo and the LinkedIn professional photography days.
Also, I work in a restaurant and practise my customer service skills, ensuring smooth service during rush hour and processing payments.
What did you learn and was there anything that surprised you?
Communication skills: I was completely nervous at first when talking to someone I didn’t know, but at least now I am improving.
I am learning how to manage my time effectively which allows me to handle different roles.
The Career Workshop helps me to stay up to date with the latest job trends and helps clarify my career path.
One thing that surprised me was how much I enjoyed meeting new people while volunteering – it was really fulfilling to give back to the community.
What have you personally gained from the program?
Most importantly, I keep myself busy and productive instead of being a couch potato!
The AGA provides a framework and keeps my progress on track that in turn increases my commitment to continuously be participating in social activity.
Recognition for my work and effort is a valuable addition to my resume. Also, I have self-confidence and understand my strength is in teamwork and my ability to take on new responsibilities.
What employability skills have your developed?
Adaptability is a skill that I have learned through juggling different roles in new situations and by meeting new people. Being adaptable means I have become more flexible to change.
Becoming a better problem-solver by placing myself in new situations has helped improve my critical thinking skills and made me a wiser thinker.
What advice would you give students who are interested in the Program?
Don’t hesitate, come join us!
For the time and effort that you’ll put into extra-curricular activities during your university years, the AGA provides recognition for this and will add extra value to your transcript and resume.
The Program is a rewarding experience that will enhance your university life!
Are you ready to get started? Register your interest on Career Hub.