Generic Skills
Through my degree I have mastered a vast amount of generic skills to use in my professional practice. Effective communication is a key factor in the workplace, and using relevant discourse is vital when expressing thoughts and opinions to others. Time management is an art I have also achieved during my course. I am confident in using this skill in my future profession as an organised schedule is essential to productivity. From my first year of university, till my last, every unit has required critical thinking and analysis, therefore I am familiar with its relevance in the workforce and how this skill can help improve society as we know it.
Specialised Skills
To become a client service officer, specialised skills are required to be a successful applicant for the position. I believe I attain relevant skills, and I strive to improve and learn new information of the field. Through subjects such as Working with Cultural Differences, and Child Abuse as a Social Issue, I am aware of culturally and linguistically diverse Aboriginal communities, amongst others that may define parental roles, family and community relationships. My studies have allowed me to demonstrate knowledge of working with children and families experiencing detriment, including domestic violence, and child-behaviour management, alongside other categories relating to social disadvantage.
Community Funding Application
As a group, we have decided to launch ROC (Representing Our Community), a program preventing crime rates committed by youth in the Liverpool area. We decided to launch this pilot program in this area as the crime rates were not too high, or low. Thus, Liverpool was the perfect medium to measure success. We offered students soccer, dance, and art activities after school on Thursdays and Fridays. Studies showed that higher crime rates happened during these hours, and our program helped teens express themselves through sport and art, rather than through crime. Engagement in the community is important to practice at a young age in order to learn about those around you, and promotes interprofessionalism. Forming connections at a young age helps develop social skills in everyday life, as well as professional practice.
Applied debating: Developing position papers
I pride myself on critical thinking, research skills, and using evidence to support my opinions. Developing position papers are a key course of action to perfect such skills. Throughout my university life, I have been asked to form a strong position on controversial topics. For example, I wrote a position paper on an up and coming legislation forcing welfare recipients to participate in drug testing. Through extensive research and viewing both sides of the issue, I agreed the act to be underdeveloped and somewhat discriminatory. I was shocked to find the lack of evidence to support the bill, and the ignorance of other issues surrounding unemployment, such as homelessness, domestic and family violence, mental health issues, and trouble managing finances. Conducting research on topics like so have helped me develop into a well-educated young adult, with a passion to make a difference.
Danielle Ayad 