Kaplan's graduate success skills

Students walking in a campus, some sitting on a staircase

We embed transformative learning into everything we do. This means that our programs will not only better prepare you for university studies but also empower you to develop the skills, mindset and resilience to succeed in study, work and life.

We have 7 graduate success skills that you are expected to develop by the time you complete your program with us. These are the abilities you need to thrive at university and in your future career.

1. Critical Thinking

Asking questions and evaluating information from different sources. Using your knowledge creatively to solve complex problems.

2. Collaboration

Working effectively in teams and contributing through active listening, giving helpful feedback and sharing responsibilities to reach a common goal.

3. Communication

Communicating effectively in written, oral and digital formats. Engaging with a diverse community and helping everyone work together and understand each other across academic and professional settings.

4. Digital Literacy

Using digital tools confidently and responsibly. Able to find, check and use information in both study and work settings.

5. Intercultural Understanding

Respecting different cultures and acting with kindness and honesty. Doing the right thing and contributing positively to local and global communities.

6. Professional Expertise

Having a sound understanding of your field and skills to apply that knowledge to real-world situations, showing readiness for further study or work.

7. Personal Development

Demonstrating emotional intelligence and a commitment to ongoing personal and professional growth. Learning from past experiences to guide future learning and development.

students sitting on bench with their laptops

How you will develop these 7 skills

Throughout our program, you will build these essential skills not just from the theory you learn in class but through practical assessments, interactive workshops and real-life activities. In every trimester, we will run an Experience Week and Employability Week where you will put your knowledge into practise and demonstrate your skills in real-world tasks.

Experience Week

In our Experience Week, you will connect with other students, teachers, the university and the local community through a diverse range of activities aligned with what you’re learning in class. These activities can include:

The Amazing Race – team up with your classmates to solve a series of challenges in a race to the finish line.
Exciting excursions – travel to places such as the beach, wetlands or a reptile park to explore local wildlife and ecosystems.
Cultural celebrations – join multicultural and Indigenous activities.
Campus tours - explore the facilities of different faculties.
Real-world interviews – sit down with a local business owner and gain insights into the Australian work culture and community.

Employability Week

During Employability Week, we will be hosting a careers fair where you can meet with recruitment agencies and find out about part-time jobs and volunteering opportunities. You will have the opportunity to join interactive workshops where you’ll learn how to craft a cover letter, write an Australian resume and develop your job interview skills.

Opportunity to provide feedback

After the Experience and Employability Week, you will be asked to complete a reflection exercise which involves reviewing the different activities you took part in and how you were able to apply your knowledge and skills.

You will get the chance to shape future Experience and Employability Weeks by teaming up with other students and pitching your ideas directly to our Academic or College Director. The most creative and practical suggestions, chosen by our student ambassadors, will become part of our next Experience and Employability Weeks.

Receive a skills attainment certificate

After you complete your program with us, you will receive a certificate that maps your skill development to our 7 graduate success skills. For example, if you completed a volunteer placement, that could be mapped to the development of your collaboration skills and intercultural understanding. The certificate will summarise your achievements which you can include in your resume or use them as examples in future job interviews.