Case studies to enhance graduate employability: Graduate attributes

Abstract

This is one in a series of case studies to enhance graduate employability.The theme of this case study is:• Focus on graduate attributesThis case study on the role/context of graduate attributes is based on interviews and focus groups with 18 people across the stakeholder groups of employed graduates, students and educators from four universities. This particular case study attempts to capture and share the insights of leading higher education thinkers/change agents. It also incorporates data from the surveys and in-depth interviews/focus groups described above.Australia is internationally recognised as leading the worldwide higher education paradigm shift to enact graduate attributes. Some of the seminal authors in this area are: James Arvanitakis, Simon Barrie, Denise Chalmers, Mark Freeman, Beverley Oliver and Geoffrey Scott, all of whom were interviewed to inform this case study. Mantz Yorke is the UK-based author of multiple publications converging the concepts of graduate employability and graduate attributes, and he also was interviewed to ground this case study.Case Study aims & objectives• Students – To increase awareness of the importance of developing graduate attributes and engaging with higher education support.• Higher Education – To develop well-rounded graduates with employability attributes.• Employers – To provide continued learning opportunities for graduate employees to further enhance their graduate attributes