How do they apply to me?

When you begin your studies at UCC we don't expect you to have all of the Graduate Attributes as soon as you start!  You may have developed lots of attributes already but might not be able to recognise them or be able to relay them... but that is okay!

While you study at UCC we will help you to develop and learn and your attributes and values will continue to grow after you leave us. 

Developing your Graduate Attributes comes from all parts of your life.  From your studies, from extra-curricular activities such as a part-time job, or from extra-curricular experiences such as joining a UCC club or society or co-curricular activities such as helping with a research project or participating through the UCC Works Programme.

Almost every student engages with the offices of the Student Experience.  We have created a Graduate Attributes Spread to help you navigate your way around campus to visit these offices or interact with their services.  Each office contributes to helping you, our students, to develop, realise and demonstrate how you are gaining valuable core graduate attributes at UCC.  

UCC Graduate Attributes and Values will help you to:

• recognise and reflect on the attributes, values and skills you already have and how these can be used, now and in the future
• reflect on your experiences (within and outside your degree) in a different way and recognise the value and learning you are gaining from them
• identify what skills and abilities you need and how these can be developed -  we are working on a fantastic initiative which will help with this
• seek out opportunities to develop your unique set of attributes

Will Graduate Attributes help me get a job?

They will - but there is a lot more to the Graduate Attributes than just getting a job when you graduate. They help develop and shape your whole student experience - developing a strong set of graduate attributes and values will help you in being more successful in your career, in your studies and research, and in your contribution to community and society.

What are we working on for students right now?

We want our UCC graduates to be recognised as well-rounded, curious, self-aware individuals who continually learn new skills, are open to new ideas, and make things happen. As a UCC student, you belong to a dynamic and diverse community where many, many people wish to support you on your learning journey. Here at UCC, we liken this journey to the growth of an acorn to an oak tree. The “Acorn to Mighty Oak” metaphor symbolises your academic, personal and professional development journey throughout your time at UCC. Your UCC Graduate Attributes and Values Compass supports you to consider your holistic development, through your formal curriculum and through the many ways that you can grow, develop and become at UCC.