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Types of student skills

Types of student skills image

We encourage all students and alumni who connect with UVic Co-op and Career to develop competencies—knowledge, skills and attributes—that help them build successful careers. Learn about these competencies below and find out who you can hire.

Our students can contribute four types of competencies to your workplace:

Core competencies, like teamwork, communication and organizational skills
Program-specific competencies related to their academic discipline
Professional competencies valued by your professional field, industry or organization
Cross-cultural competencies that help make students strong global citizens

Learn more about UVic student competencies below.

Do you want to discuss specific student skills you’re looking for? Contact your co-op program and speak with a co-op coordinator.

Core
competencies

We’ve identified ten core competencies that are valuable in most workplaces, and we help students and alumni to develop them.

Personal management

Personal management means that students understands themselves and are conscious of the implications of their interactions with others.

Students show personal management skills when they:

act with honesty, integrity and personal ethics
recognize their personal efforts and the efforts of others
acknowledge diverse opinions and accept differences
manage their personal health and emotional well-being
take responsibility and demonstrate resiliency and accountability for themselves
plan and manage their personal time, finances and other resources
assess, weigh and manage risk in the face of uncertainty
recognize their strengths and areas for improvement
adapt to new environments and cultures

How does Co-op and Career help students and alumni gain this competency?

We offer many helpful services and programs, including:

Communication

Communication means that students are comfortable using a broad range of communication styles, and that they choose appropriate, effective ways to communicate to different audiences in diverse situations.

Students show communication skills when they:

communicate in a respectful tone and manner
listen actively and communicate effectively with others
write clearly and accurately in a variety of contexts and formats
listen and ask questions to understand other people’s viewpoints
communicate issues promptly
are aware of and responsive to verbal and non-verbal communication styles
recognize cultural differences in communication
use effective cross-cultural communication skills

How does Co-op and Career help students and alumni gain this competency?

We offer many helpful services and programs, including:

Managing information

Managing information means that students are able to think critically and gather, sort, store and use information to turn data into knowledge.

Students shows information management skills when they:

research and interpret relevant information from a range of sources
review, retain and apply ideas
evaluate the validity and bias of information
use gathered data to draw conclusions or to create new sources of information that can be shared with others
document their sources of information
use appropriate technology to find and process information
assess, weigh and manage risk in the face of uncertainty
recognize their strengths and areas to improve
adapt to new environments and cultures

How does Co-op and Career help students and alumni gain this competency?

We offer many helpful services and programs, including:

Research and analysis

Research and analysis means that students use information from a variety of sources—including personal experience and their own observations—to identify options and solve problems.

Students research and analyze when they:

recognize the human, interpersonal and technical sides of a problem
access, analyze and apply knowledge and skills from various fields
think critically and strategically
apply knowledge and skills from past experiences to new situations
assess situations and identify problems
explore possible solutions in an innovative and creative way
evaluate solutions to make decisions

How does Co-op and Career help students and alumni gain this competency?

We offer many helpful services and programs, including:

Project, task and organizational skills

Students use project, task and organizational skills when they plan, implement, manage and measure projects and tasks in a timely and directed manner.

Students put this competency into practice when they:

plan and carry out projects with well-defined goals and outcomes
determine appropriate implementation strategies, tools and technologies
adapt to changing work priorities and workplace practices
use a range of assessment techniques to monitor a project or task
establish priorities to meet deadlines
carry out multiple tasks or projects at the same time

How does Co-op and Career help students and alumni gain this competency?

We offer many helpful services and programs, including:

Teamwork

Teamwork means that students work cooperatively and collaboratively with others to achieve collective goals.

Students show teamwork when they:

work within the dynamics of a group
show commitment to the team’s purpose and goals
accept and provide feedback in a constructive and considerate way
share information and encourage others to do the same
support and motivate the group to perform at its best
recognize the role of conflict when appropriate
build professional relationships
show accountability to the team’ and follow through on their commitments
work effectively with different personalities across a variety of social and professional situations
consider diverse, cross-cultural perspectives and working styles

How does Co-op and Career help students and alumni gain this competency?

We offer many helpful services and programs, including:

Commitment to quality

Commitment to quality means that students take pride in their work and strive for excellence to achieve the best possible results.

Students show commitment to quality when they:

look for opportunities to improve their work practices
generate ideas for improvement
pay attention to the quality of their work
persist when difficulties arise
try innovative ways to get things done
consider situations from new perspectives
evaluate work results for effectiveness

How does Co-op and Career help students and alumni gain this competency?

We offer many helpful services and programs, including:

Professional behaviour

Professional behaviour means students use sound judgment to meet or exceed their guidelines, standards and expectations.

Students show professional behaviour when they:

follow workplace policies (e.g. health and safety, equity, harassment and confidentiality)
recognize their rights and responsibilities
respect federal and provincial laws related to workplace policies and procedures
abide by the standards of practice recognized in their field

How does Co-op and Career help students and alumni gain this competency?

We offer many helpful services and programs, including:

Social responsibility

Social responsibility means that students recognize how their beliefs, ethics and actions fit within the context of a greater community.

Students show social responsibility when they:

know their personal convictions and strive to put them into practice
accept responsibility for their own actions
show a respect for others’ rights and diverse ideas
commit to personal, professional and academic honesty
choose ethical courses of action
contribute to their local, national and international community
build relationships without prejudice
consider the global implications of their decisions

How does Co-op and Career help students and alumni gain this competency?

We offer many helpful services and programs, including:

Continuous learning

Continuous learning means that students use pursue and apply new knowledge and skills in all of their experiences.

Students show continuous learning when they:

set and pursue personal and educational goals
access learning sources and opportunities
show a willingness to continuously learn and grow
learn from their mistakes and successes
seek feedback from others and accept constructive feedback
stay current with techniques and technologies in their field

How does Co-op and Career help students and alumni gain this competency?

We offer many helpful services and programs, including:

Program-specific
competencies

Each UVic program helps students develop program-specific competencies that reflect the unique nature of academic disciplines. You can learn about your student’s program-specific competencies below.

These competencies are abbreviated from longer resources provided directly from UVic departments. Click on “Detailed competencies” under each program to see a comprehensive description.

Anthropology

Anthropology students:

Understand the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in anthropology including human biological evolution, socio-cultural systems and archaeological research and analysis
Understand development theories and practical applications of anthropological research
Use the concepts, language and major theories of the discipline to account for the many aspects of what it means to be human

Detailed Anthropology competencies

Biochemistry and Microbiology

Biochemistry and Microbiology students:

Gain knowledge of biochemistry, microbiology and immunology
Understand and use the principles of the scientific method
Instruct co-workers in scientific procedure
Develop and use scientific software to support
Research endeavours
Conduct research in the field
Use practical and safe techniques within a laboratory setting

Detailed Biochemistry/Microbiology competencies

Biology

Biology students:

Understand and use the principles of the scientific method and the application of experimental techniques to solve specific problems
Use practical and safe techniques to conduct research in biology
Acquire knowledge and skills to obtain a professional position or pursue graduate training in biology
Use practical and safe techniques within a laboratory setting

Detailed Biology competencies

Business

Business students have the:

Motivation to improve business operations
Ability to lead and influence others
Ability to take responsibility for managing professional development
Competence with data and systems management
Aptitude for financial decision making
Demonstrated marketing acumen
Strong organizational awareness
Understand triple bottom line thinking
Awareness of multicultural work places and relationships

Detailed Business competencies (Commerce)

Chemistry

Chemistry students have knowledge, skills and training in chemistry, and:

Understand and use the principles of the scientific method
Use practical and safe techniques within a laboratory setting
Develop and use scientific software to support research endeavours
Instruct students, colleagues or co-workers in scientific procedure
Conduct research in the field

Detailed Chemistry competencies

Child and Youth Care

Child and Youth Care students:

Implement case assessment, case management, risk assessment (suicide, sexual abuse and family violence assessment)
Provide program planning and delivery
Deliver therapeutic and crisis interventions
Use effective counseling and communication skills
Offer developmental and culturally appropriate practice
Use critical thinking and ethnical decision making

Detailed Child and Youth Care competencies

Computer and Electrical Engineering

Computer and Electrical Engineering students:

Demonstrate knowledge of power and energy systems fundamentals and their integration within the modern electrical grid
Demonstrate knowledge of the architecture of computer systems and the interrelationship between the OS and the architecture
Understand how control systems function and their use
Participate in the design and testing of electronic circuits
Employ knowledge of software life cycles and development phases

Detailed Computer and Electrical Engineering competencies

Computer Science

Computer Science students:

Understand computer networking principles and engineering
Employ knowledge of software life cycles and developmental phases
Develop software and scripts in a variety of environments
Demonstrate knowledge of the architecture of computer systems and the interrelationship between OS and the architecture
Understand the theoretical foundations of computer science and the practice of abstracting known methods to new problems

Detailed Computer Science competencies

Earth and Ocean Sciences

Earth and Ocean Sciences students:

Understand the underpinning Earth Science theory that supports professional scientific practice and applies this to their own area of interest
Understand and use the principles of the scientific method
Develop and use scientific software to support research endeavours
Conduct research in the field
Use practical and safe techniques within a laboratory setting
Instruct co-workers in scientific procedure

Detailed Earth and Ocean Sciences competencies

Economics

Economics students:

Understand the major concepts, theoretical perspectives and historical trends in economics
Apply mathematically based methods of measurement
Apply statistical methods
Understand issues in economic decision making from both public and private sectors
Demonstrate a clear, concise and rigorous approach to problem solving
Apply principles and theories used to explain economic phenomena

Detailed Economics competencies

Education

Teacher Education students have the:

Ability to assess and plan effective learning for a wide range of student needs, interests and capabilities
Capacity to share ideas with colleagues, within professional organizations and the wider community
Demonstrate a broad knowledge base with an in-depth understanding of a particular subject
Understand child development and contextual influences
Capacity to follow legislative and ethical frameworks within education practice

Detailed Teacher Education competencies

English

English students:

Demonstrate professional-level proficiency with the English language
Demonstrate knowledge of English literature from the medieval period to the present
Critically read works of literature in English and describe how literary texts generate meaning
Understand works of literature in their historical, social and cultural contexts

Detailed English competencies

Environmental Studies

Environmental Studies students:

Understand the effects of social, economic and political systems on biophysical systems
Gain knowledge in research, theory and principles of environmental studies
Analyze environmental research across humanities, natural and social sciences
Develop and deliver effective presentations for a variety of audiences
Respect the complexity inherent in cultural-ecological interactions
Engage in collaborative and participatory research and practice

Detailed Environmental Studies competencies

French

French students:

Read, write and converse effectively in French
Translate between French and English
Demonstrate knowledge of literature in French
Critically read works of literature in French and describe how literary texts generate meaning
Understand works of literature in their historical, social and cultural contexts

Detailed French competencies

Geography

Geography students:

Demonstrate familiarity with the major concepts, approaches of study, theoretical perspectives and findings of Geography
Understand the fields of Physical Geography and how these contribute to the study of the physical environment
Understand the fields of Human Geography and how these contribute to the study of the human landscape
Understand the use of qualitative and quantitative methods in Geography

Detailed Geography competencies

Germanic and Slavic Studies

Germanic and Slavic students:

Communicate effectively in German
Communicate effectively in Russian
Demonstrate knowledge of literature, film, and culture in the German-speaking countries from the medieval period to the present
Demonstrate knowledge of literature, film and culture in Russia from the medieval period to the present
Understand works of literature and film in their historical, social and cultural contexts

Detailed Germanic and Slavic Studies competencies

Greek and Roman Studies

Greek and Roman students:

Demonstrate understanding of Latin and ancient Greek language and literature
Interpret literary and non-literary texts in the context of the literary tradition
Demonstrate awareness of historical events in Ancient Greece and Rome
Employ a systematic method of enquiry
Understand and interpret historical events and issues in their political and military contexts
Understand and interpret material culture in its social and cultural contexts

Detailed Greek and Roman competencies

Health Information Science

Health Information Science students:

Apply knowledge of clinical and biomedical concepts, processes and technologies
Understand key information technology concepts and components
Contribute to information management principles and best practices
Understand the health systems in Canada and the contributions of health informatics
Understand and contribute to management and organizational plans and strategies
Apply project management principles including collaboration and evaluation

Detailed Health Information Science competencies

Hispanic and Italian Studies

Hispanic and Italian students:

Communicate effectively in Spanish or Italian
Demonstrate knowledge of literature in Spanish and Italian from the medieval period to the present
Critically read works of literature and describe how literary texts generate meaning
Understand works of literature in their historical, social and cultural contexts

Detailed Hispanic and Italian Studies competencies

History

History students:

Demonstrate awareness of historical events and issues with a focus on Canadian, American, British, European, Asian, world or comparative history
Understand and interpret historical events and issues in their political and military contexts
Employ a systematic method of enquiry in order to understand and interpret historical events and issues
Understand and interpret historical events and issues in their social and cultural contexts

Detailed History competencies

History in Art

History in Art students:

Develop awareness of global, aesthetic and visual traditions of art history
Deploy various methods of inquiry to understand and interpret artifacts
Understand artistic practices and art-historical artifacts in their historical, social and cultural contexts

Detailed History in Art competencies

Kinesiology

Kinesiology students:

Assess human movement, performance, and function by applying the sciences of biomechanics, anatomy, physiology, and psychomotor behaviour to design programs that maintain, rehabilitate or enhance human movement with a range of clientele
Understand and apply the sciences of biomechanics, anatomy, physiology, and psychomotor behaviour
Read, critically evaluate and apply research and professional information to practice

Detailed Kinesiology competencies

Law

Law students:

Acquire a foundation of legal knowledge and skills needed for the practice of law and for the many professional roles in which legal training is invaluable
Acquire an understanding of the content (social, historical, philosophical and cultural) in which our legal system has developed and continues to evolve
Explore specialized areas of legal training and gain practical experience

Detailed Law competencies

Linguistics

Linguistics students:

Examine and classify the inventories of sounds found in human languages
Examine and explain how words are formed and how words are put together to form sentences
Examine how language conveys meaning
Examine how and why languages change through time
Examine how cognition and language are related
Examine the way language is used by speakers
Examine the relation between language and culture
Examine how linguistics can be used to contribute to the teaching and learning of languages

Detailed Linguistics competencies

Mathematics and Statistics

Mathematics and Statistics students:

Solve situational problems related to mathematics and statistics
Reason using mathematical and statistical concepts and processes
Communicate by using mathematical and statistical language
Apply mathematical and statistical processes appropriate to the given situation
Make connections between mathematical and statistical language and everyday language
Decode, share and validate situational problems and solutions

Detailed Mathematics and Statistics competencies

Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering students:

Apply knowledge of engineering materials and their properties and behaviours
Solve thermodynamic problems using mathematical formulations
Understand how control systems function and their use
Identify, formulate and solve problems that occur with rigid bodies in static equilibrium and moving bodies in dynamic movement
Demonstrate knowledge of power and energy system fundamentals and their integration within the modern electrical grid

Detailed Mechanical Engineering competencies

Medieval Studies

- Medieval Studies students:
  - Critically evaluate the different types of evidence employed in the study of the Medieval world
  - Demonstrate an awareness of the history and culture of the Medieval period
  - Utilize a systematic method of enquiry in the interpretation of the Medieval period
  - Understand texts, visual culture and material culture int heir social and cultural contexts
  Detailed Medieval Studies competencies

Music

Music students:

Engage in the professional practice of music
Demonstrate advanced techniques in the compositions of contemporary music
Understand the theoretical underpinning of Western music
Understand the changing role of music
Demonstrate advanced techniques in performance
Understand the foundations of music education
Use computer technology to explore new directions in music

Detailed Music competencies

Nursing

Nursing students:

Demonstrate professional conduct
Draw on a specialized body of knowledge
Gain the ability to apply knowledge to care
Competence in professional judgments and practice decisions
Understand the concept and importance of public protection
Gain the ability to self-regulate through personal development and enhancement

Detailed Nursing competencies

Pacific and Asian Studies

Pacific and Asian students:

Communicate effectively in Chinese
Communicate effectively in Japanese
Communicate effectively in Indonesian-Malay
Demonstrate a wide knowledge of the histories, cultures and societes of the Pacific Asia region
Demonstrate knowledge of Chinese history, culture and society
Demonstrate knowledge of Japanese history, culture and society
Demonstrate knowledge of Southeast Asian history, culture and society
Critically read works of literature and describe how literary texts generate meaning

Detailed Pacific and Asian Studies competencies

Philosophy

Philosophy students:

Use methodologies and techniques to think carefully about difficult material and identify its most significant features
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the central concepts, issues and theories of epistemology and the nature of reality
Understand the ancient and modern traditions of philosophical thought
Understand ethical issues in social, political, economic, scientific and aesthetic contexts
Generate deductively valid arguments and detect invalid arguments

Detailed Philosophy competencies

Physics and Astronomy

Physics and Astronomy students:

Understand physical laws and principles and the use of analytical methods to analyze, explain and predict the workings of the physical world
Use the principles of the scientific method and the application of experimental techniques to solve specific problems
Develop and use scientific software to support research endeavours
Conduct research in the field
Use practical and safe techniques within a laboratory setting
Instruct co-workers in scientific procedure

Detailed Physics and Astronomy competencies

Political Science

Political Science students:

Gain familiarity with the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in political science
Learn about the social, cultural, historical, geographic and other forces that generate conflicts within and among societies
Understand the issues and policies that affect democracy and the distribution of power
Examine the philosophical foundations and development for both historical and contemporary political thought
Understand and apply basic research methods

Detailed Political Science competencies

Psychology

Psychology students:

Understand the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology including neurological basis of behaviour; cognition and learning; social and environmental interaction; human development; or personality and therapies
Understand and apply basic research methods including research design, data analysis and interpretation
Learn to value empirical evidence, tolerate ambiguity, act ethically, and reflect other values that underpin psychology as a science

Detailed Psychology competencies

Public Administration

Program-specific competencies are under development.

Recreation and Health Education

Recreation and Health Education students:

Understand and apply psychological and social determinants to the delivery of programs and services
Ability to identify key values and shared vision and use these principles to guide action
Research, describe and adapt to cultural and social trends
Respond to diversity, equity and inclusiveness as they relate to community development

Detailed Recreation and Health Education competencies

Social Work

Program-specific competencies are under development.

Sociology

Sociology students:

Demonstrates familiarity with the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings and historical trends in sociology
Understands and applies basic research methods in sociology
Understands sociological theory and methods of examining such topics as culture, socialization, institutions and social change
Concentrates on the sociology of health and health care, and the sociology of aging
Concentrates on the approaches that view the discipline as being engaged with the issues, problems and struggles of our time
Learns theory, examines research and understands the relationships between individual/group members and society

Detailed Sociology competencies

Software Engineering

Software Engineering students:

Understand how control systems function and their use
Understand computer networking principles and engineering
Demonstrate knowledge of software life cycles and developmental phases
Demonstrate knowledge of the architecture of computer systems and the interrelationship between the OS and the architecture
Understand the theoretical foundations of computer science and the practice of abstracting known methods to new problems

Detailed Software Engineering competencies

Theatre

Theatre students:

Engage in the practice of theatre through performance
Demonstrate advanced techniques in the art of acting, voice and stage movement
Use theatre for extra-theatrical purposes such as education, social change and community building
Use advanced techniques in set, costume and lighting design
Demonstrate advanced techniques in the art of stage direction
Apply the principles, procedures and skills required to manage a theatrical production
Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the history of western theatre from its beginnings in the Middle Ages through to the present day
Write effectively for the stage, covering the creation of character, dialogue, structure and conflict

Detailed Theatre competencies

Visual Arts

Visual Arts students:

Engage in the practice of contemporary art
Demonstrate advanced techniques in the practice of contemporary painting
Demonstrate advanced techniques in the practice of contemporary drawing
Demonstrate advanced techniques in the practice of contemporary sculpture
Demonstrate advanced techniques in the practice of contemporary photography
Demonstrate advanced techniques in the practice of digital art
Demonstrate advanced techniques in the practice of video art

Detailed Visual Arts competencies

Women’s Studies

Women's Studies students:

Explore feminist theories and activism as they pertain to women’s lives
Examine the complex ways in which power circulates through the lives of individuals and groups
Understand the implications of the complicated spread of global interdependence in political, economic and cultural areas for women’s lived experiences
Participate in building communities through active engagement in community-based groups and projects

Detailed Women’s Studies competencies

Writing

Writing students:

Engage in the writing and criticism of compositions in the genres of poetry, drama, creative nonfiction and fiction
Write original works of poetry and engage in critical discussions of the genre
Write original works of fiction and engage in critical discussions of the genre
Write original works of creative nonfiction and engage in critical discussions of the genre
Write original works of stage and screen drama and engage in critical discussions of the genre

Detailed Writing competencies

Professional
competencies

What are professional competencies? They’re the skills, knowledge and attributes valued by the professional bodies connected to different professions.

Many occupations have professional bodies or associations with their own unique competencies. For example, the hospitality industry values competencies like customer service, cultural sensitivity and hospitality operations and procedures.

Co-op and Career encourages our students and alumni to learn about professional competencies relevant to their future careers. If your workplace, organization or field values particular competencies, please share these with your student employees. We've listed links to a wide range of professional bodies' websites below.

Anthropology

Art History

Biology

Biochemistry and Microbiology

Business

Chemistry

Child and Youth Care

Economics

Education

English

Earth and Ocean Sciences

Environmental Studies

French

Geography

Germanic and Slavic Studies

Greek and Roman Studies

Health Information Science

History

Hispanic and Italian Studies

Kinesiology

Linguistics

Medieval Studies

Music

Nursing

Pacific and Asian Studies

Philosophy

Physics and Astronomy

Political Science

Psychology

Public Administration

Recreation and Health Education

Social Work

Sociology

Theatre

Visual Arts

Writing

Women’s Studies

Cross-cultural
competencies

We've identified four cross-cultural competencies that UVic students can develop:

through an international experience
by working in a culturally diverse workplace

By developing these competencies, students become strong global citizens, a quality that they can apply to your workplace. The four international competencies are:

1) Strategic thinking

In the context of an international work experience, the student engages in cultural interactions with the intent to enhance his or her personal development and contribute to the workplace.

Students demonstrate strategic thinking when they:

are conscious of their assumptions relating to cultural issues and question them at all times
think about how they can take initiative to learn from co-workers from different cultural backgrounds
plan how to pursue networking opportunities with people from different cultural backgrounds
consider new strategies during each cultural encounter
check for opportunities for cultural growth
consider how their area of study is applicable in a global context

2) Cultural knowledge

The student has a good understanding of different cultures and applies this knowledge in his or her daily life.

Students demonstrate cultural knowledge when they:

recognize and respect cultural diversity
learn appropriate, effective ways to communicate with people from different cultural backgrounds
know how to be diplomatic and sensitive to the dynamics of a cross-cultural workplace
understand how to communicate with people who speak or write a different language
know how to be adept in a new environment
understand ways to cope with constant change
learn phrases in a new language, or learn a new language

3) Cultural drive

The student is curious about new surroundings and cultures and actively seeks out learning opportunities.

Students demonstrate cultural drive when they:

welcome the opportunity to learn more about the geography and culture of their work term city, region and country
take initiative to explore their environment
actively network with people from different cultures
take interest in current events in their work term country
engage with people in their employer organization and community
network wth potential international employers and inquire about the competencies valued by these companies
recognize their strengths and seek areas to improve

4) Cross-cultural behaviour

The student demonstrates flexibility in his or her interactions and is able to recognize and adapt to cultural nuances in the workplace and beyond.

Students demonstrate cross-cultural behaviour when they:

display a positive attitude towards change and new environments
adapt to different cross-cultural communication norms
change their verbal and nonverbal behaviours according to different situations
demonstrate that they acknowledge the human, interpersonal and technical sides of a problem
show flexibility and explore possible solutions in an innovative and creative way

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