Introduction to our Graduate Attributes Programme

At University College Cork (UCC), we are committed to ensuring our graduates are not only academically prepared but also workplace-ready. Our new Transition Out Initiatives, launching in 2025, are designed to our students with the practical skills, professional insights, and confidence they need to thrive in their careers from day one.

This initiative is a key part of UCC’s Graduate Attributes Programme, ensuring that our graduates develop the skills, values, and competencies required to succeed in today’s fast-evolving job market. It is developed in collaboration with industry partners, ensuring real-world relevance and impact.

What’s Involved?

1. Industry-Led Workshops

Learn from the experts. Build real-world skills.

Industry professionals deliver hands-on sessions on critical workplace skills, covering topics such as:

• Digital Fluency & Emerging Technologies (AI, Data Analytics, Cybersecurity)
• Professional Communication & Workplace Etiquette
• Design Thinking & Innovation in Business
• Leadership & Decision-Making in the Workplace

These interactive workshops provide students with practical knowledge, case studies, and industry insights to help them stand out in the job market.

2. The First 100 Days – Workplace Readiness Series

Understanding what to expect in the workplace.
This employer-led series provides final-year students with essential knowledge on:

• Workplace expectations and professional etiquette
• Effective communication with managers and colleagues
• Managing workload, deadlines, and feedback
• Building resilience, adaptability, and career progression

Employers will share real-world experiences, best practices, and insider tips to help students transition smoothly into their first job.

3. Graduate Reality Panels

Hear from those who’ve been there.
These panels bring together recent graduates, HR professionals, and managers to discuss:

• The transition from university to work
• What they wish they had known before starting their careers
• Common challenges and how to overcome them

This interactive session gives students the opportunity to ask questions, gain insights, and prepare for life beyond university.

Why This Matters?

The Transition Out Initiatives are designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and professional success, ensuring that UCC graduates are confident, capable, and career-ready. Employers will play a key role in shaping this initiative, helping to develop a pipeline of future talent that meets industry needs.

Get Involved

We are actively seeking employers to participate in this initiative – whether through leading workshops, sharing insights, or engaging with students.

Interested in contributing? Fill out our short employer interest form here: Expression of interest Form

Click link here to download the above poster with clickable links: Graduate Attributes Transition out initiatives

For more information, contact us at Graduateattributes@ucc.ie or book time with the Graduate Attributes programme officer to learn more and see how your organization can be involved.

What are Transition Out Initiatives?

These Initiatives will prepare students to transition into professional environments, delivering on the ambitions of our Institutional Employability and Employment Guide and the Career Service Employability Framework.

This initiative will advance the development of students’ academic, specialist and technical competencies, equipping them with transferrable skills that can be applied in different environments. With a focus on developing core values and graduate attributes, these initiatives will integrate with the academic curriculum, taking a holistic educational approach to develop character, professionalism and the capacity for critical and creative thought. UCC graduates will be recognised as well-rounded, curious, self-aware, individuals who continually learn new skills, are open to new ideas, and make things happen.

If you would like to work with us and Career Services, please email us at graduateattributes@ucc.ie