A peer-to-peer support model for developing graduate students’ career and employability skills

Abstract

Career opportunities for Australian research graduates have expanded in recent years into areas outside academia. However, the employment market is highly competitive, and Australian universities have recognised the need to produce graduates with transferable skills across all sectors, not just academia. The need to provide an infrastructure to support the career and skill development of research students has become essential, with funding from the Australian government hinging on institutions providing explicit graduate outcomes. This paper presents a research student peer-to-peer support programme as a model that contributes to the development of graduate career planning and employability skills.

Keywords:

• peer-to-peer
• career development
• employability skills

Notes

1. An honours degree is a fourth year of an undergraduate level for students who have demonstrated the ability to undertake research. Honours degrees typically include two semesters of full-time enrolment or equivalent, with the first semester dedicated to coursework units and the second semester dedicated to a research thesis or project.