Graduate Framework

These are just some examples of what you can do while you’re at Newcastle.

On your course

• Be a committed team member on group projects. Focus on achieving the team’s aims and objectives. Arrange meetings and catch ups. Work on tasks and problems together, rather than dividing it up and working independently.
• Collaborate with staff to create positive change for students by representing your School or course. You can also represent strudents from underrepresented or marginalized communities as a liberation officer.
• Choose a  and gain academic credit for joining or creating a professional team.
• Take part in school events such as enterprise challenges. You may get the chance to work with students from other schools or faculties.
• Collaborate in practical settings, such as labs. Offer help, share knowledge and encourage others.

Outside your course

• Undertake  to show employers that you're able to collaborate in a workplace environment. It doesn't need to be related to your degree subject.
• Support and encourage others as a mentor. For example, through the FutureMe mentor scheme, or the University Library's Peer Mentoring Programme.
• Apply to be part of the team of student ambassadors. Inspire young people, while representing and promoting Newcastle University.
• Work with and enrich your local community as a community rep or a hall rep.
• Join a sports club and commit to training regularly.
• Create or join a society and take an active role in it.
• .
• Take on a , including . Part-time roles usually involve team work.
• Start a joint business venture with support from our .
• Put together a team and sign up for a joint-entry .
• Register for the  to gain recognition for your extra-curricular activities and reflect on the skills you’ve gained.
• Update your technical skills for virtual collaboration, using Microsoft 365 Learning Pathways

• Focus on your achievements. Make a list of the things you’ve accomplished so far, to help you feel positive when setbacks occur.
• Set manageable goals. These should be realistic and specific – break them down into smaller goals to make the tasks less daunting and easier to achieve.
• Push yourself out of your comfort zone. You could start by volunteering to deliver a presentation on a group project. Or you could take a position of responsibility, such as student ambassador, course rep, or society committee member.
• Undertake some work experience.  are valuable for increasing self-confidence and developing key skills.
• Have a particular interest or expertise? Share your advice or knowledge of a particular topic to others.
• Be prepared. Whether it’s for tutorials, exams or for interviews, the more prepared you are, the more confident you’ll be. Do your research, make notes and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
• Find a mentor. Connect with people who can provide help and support with your career plans. Graduate Mentor and The 1 Hour Project aim to match students with business professionals. See  to find more ways to connect.
• Try a new hobby or . Meeting like-minded people in a safe and friendly environment can help build your confidence, particularly if you struggle to meet new people.

On your course

• Get involved in School events. For example, some Schools hold an annual Enterprise challenge for their students. Work in teams to come up with an innovative solution to a difficult real world business challenge.
• Connect with students from other countries and cultures on your course. You can broaden your perspective and share your own insights with them.

Outside your course

• Work freelance, sell a product or create an innovative new service. Get support from .
• Join a meet-up on a topic you’re interested in.
• Create or join a student society to meet like-minded people.
• Contribute your skills and ideas through undertaking  or a .
• Learn something new – from photography and playing an instrument, to coding and learning a language. Sign up to a .
• Take part in  to help you develop and show off your skills.
• Stay informed by following the news and attending events. Look at situations from different perspectives – is there anything you would change?
• Read books or articles unrelated to your field of study, subscribe to educational YouTube channels and watch inspiring talks on Ted.com.
•  and ask them questions about their career, company or industry.
• for an organisation or come up with creative ideas to help fundraise for a charity. You can also apply for funding to create your own volunteering project.
• Register for the  to gain recognition for your extra-curricular activities and reflect on the skills you’ve developed.

• Visit the Academic Skills Team for advice on developing your critical voice.
• The Academic Skills Kit (ASK) website has useful information and tools on evaluating information and reducing the impact of information overload.
• Ask questions about what you read, hear, think, experience and observe.
• Assess how well ideas, statements, claims, arguments and findings are backed up. This will help you make a reasoned judgement about how convincing they are.
• Practise critical reasoning tests, such as the Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Test. This can be used in graduate and professional recruitment, particularly in law and finance. They test your ability to recognise assumptions and evaluate arguments.
• Get involved in class discussions in tutorials or join a debating society. Discussing opinions with others is a good way to anticipate objections, answer counterarguments and weigh evidence.
• Show critical thinking in an . Give an example which includes reflection on how you performed. Point out anything you could improve and how you overcame any challenges.
• Sign up for a free FutureLearn online course on critical thinking.

Try out new activities

• The Students’ Union has a range of options you could get involved in, such as Give It A Go, sports clubs, and Go Volunteer.
• Get valuable work experience through a flexible or a . You could also apply for a virtual internship, eg through Forage or RateMyPlacement.
• Sign up for a and do something different – from teaching in schools to working on a consultancy project for a local business.
• Learn something new. Sign up to a or learn a language.
• Work freelance, sell a product or create an innovative new service. Get support from our team.
• Join a meet-up on a topic you’re interested in.

Seek out information

• Read books or articles unrelated to your field of study and subscribe to educational YouTube channels.
• Attend a public lecture – there are a wide range of topics and speakers.
• Go to to ask employers about their opportunities.
• Use the Academic Skills Kit (ASK) guide to keep up to date with information in your field
• Speak to people with different backgrounds and viewpoints, and actively listen to what they have to say.
• and ask them questions about their career, company or industry.
• Visit and explore new places to learn more about them and the people there.

We've included some ideas on how to develop digital skills below.

On your course

• Learn how to use new software. This could be specialist software used in your field of study, or using new tools to showcase your work.
• Use digital resources within research to collect and analyse data and information.
• Keep a digital record of your experiences in NU Reflect.
• Engage with resources, discussions and communities on Canvas and Teams.

Outside your course

• Learn or improve digital skills with free programmes such as Barclays Digital Eagles and Google Digital Garage.
• Take advantage of digital study support offered through the library and read their advice on how to spot fake news and how to use social media for research.
• Use the Academic Skills Kit (ASK) resources for developing your digital skills.
• Follow the Microsoft 365 Learning Pathways to improve your ability to work in virtual environments.
• Create a to present a professional digital identity. Use LinkedIn to engage with groups and discussions which interest you.
• Form a .
• Sign up for to develop digital literacy and IT skills, eg in programming, data science and AI.
• Find to help you apply existing and learn new digital skills in a professional context.
• Undertake virtual work experience to learn and engage in tasks simulating real-life work, through a digital platform, such as Forage.
• Volunteer for Code Club, a nationwide network of volunteer-led after-school coding clubs for children aged 9-11.
• Take part in to develop your ability to contribute to a good cause, remotely.
• relevant to your subject of study, and use technology to help with your entry.

These are just some examples of what you can do while you’re at Newcastle.

On your course

• Be a committed team member on a group project.
• Try new things and be open to learning new skills. Read books that aren’t on the reading list, take an extra-credit module to learn a new language, or teach pupils in schools on our . You can get academic credit for your placement year with our .
• Ask for help when needed and apply what you’ve learned. In return, give feedback and constructive criticism when appropriate.
• Represent your School or your course and create positive change for students.

Outside your course

• Undertake to show employers that you're keen to develop your skills. It doesn’t need to be related to your degree subject.
• Support and encourage others as a mentor. For example, through the FutureMe mentor scheme, or the University Library's Peer Mentoring Programme.
• Work as a community rep to help enrich the local community and increase student involvement.
• Engage members of the public as a Street Scientist.
• Join a sports club and commit to training regularly.
• Create or join a society and take an active role in it.
• Get involved with student media at Newcastle. You could write for the Courier or work with Newcastle Student Radio, to discuss topics and issues you and your peers are interested in.
• Show engagement in your career development. For example, networking and speaking to employers at  or or .
• . For example, fundraise for a charity, do some conservation work or teach English to refugees.
• Register for the to gain recognition for your extra-curricular activities and reflect on the skills you’ve gained.

These are some examples of what you can do to become more future-focused.

Try out new activities

• Undertake a to show employers that you're keen to develop your skills. It doesn’t need to be related to your degree subject.
• Try out virtual work experience. Engage in tasks simulating real-life work, through a digital platform, such as Forage.
• Sign up for a and do something different. For example, teach in schools or create innovative solutions to real life problems.
• Try out an extra-credit module to learn a new language.
• Work innovatively on a project through a School-based enterprise challenge.
• Work freelance, sell a product or create an innovative new service. Get support from and attend a to meet like-minded people.
• Enter which involve anticipating and responding to future challenges.
• Explore our ideas around being digitally capable. Digital skills, experience and knowledge are an increasingly important part of being future-focused.

Seek out information

• You don’t have to know exactly what you want to do in your future career, but having a future-focused mindset can help you make decisions. Attend and ask employers about their opportunities. and ask them questions about their career. Visit our  pages to help you get started.
• Speak with students from other countries and cultures on your course to broaden your perspective, actively listening to what they have to say.
• Stay informed by following the news, social media and attending events.
• Learn something new by signing up to a .
• Read books or articles unrelated to your field of study, subscribe to educational YouTube channels and watch inspiring talks on Ted.com.
• Attend a public lecture at the University – there are a wide range of topics and speakers.
• Improve your commercial awareness by and you are interested in.

These are just some examples of what you can do while you’re at Newcastle.

On your course

• Incorporate global and cultural themes into your research and project work and discuss them during group work and seminars.
• Collaborate with students from other countries and cultures to broaden your perspective and share your own insights with them.
• Take on a role as a course or School rep to listen to learning and wellbeing concerns from students of all backgrounds and raise them on their behalf.
• Choose a , where you can gain academic credit for joining, or creating a professional, multicultural team.

Outside your course

• Immerse yourself in another culture by working and studying abroad.
• Arrange an overseas .
• Learn about global business etiquette by working in the UK with a business involved in international trade.
• Learn a new language through the Language Resource Centre.
• Use opportunities to meet students from other countries and cultures. You could take part in a mutual language/culture exchange in conversation and peer assisted learning groups. Or attend external international student cafés such as The Globe.
• Carry out research with a global or cultural theme through a university Research Scholarship or Expedition.
• for a project or charity you’re interested in. This could be with a local charity or project, incorporating different cultures within our community, or it could be a global charity tackling worldwide issues.
• Create or join a society with a global or cultural theme.
• Work as a community rep to learn more about the cultures making up your local community and increase student involvement in it.
• Consider ambassador roles such as student ambassador or FutureMe mentor. Increase your exposure of working with people from different backgrounds and listening to their concerns.
• A while you study, or , can allow you to mix with staff, customers or clients from different cultural backgrounds.
• Take an interest in Students’ Union campaigns and initiatives which promote diversity and cultural awareness.
• Increase your awareness and understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI). The Library has a useful EDI guide, with information resources relating to EDI themes. You can find information on on the Careers Service website.
• Look for global where you can learn from and compete against students from around the world.
• Stay informed about what is happening in the world by following the news and attending events.
• Register for the to gain recognition for your extra-curricular activities and reflect on the skills and awareness you’ve gained.
• Apply for a Global Open Badge. Show your global and cultural achievements to employers.

These are just some examples of what you can do to become more reflective and self-aware, both in your academic life and outside university.

On your course

• Request and listen actively to feedback from lecturers and team members – both positive and negative. What did you do particularly well? What could be improved?
• Keep a record of your experiences in NU Reflect and keep track of your development during your studies.
• Reflect on your experiences, rather than just describe them – ask yourself questions, for example, ‘how do I know this?’, ‘what did I learn?’, ‘what would I change?’.
• Visit the Academic Skills Kit (ASK) website for advice on developing reflective practice, including reviewing your current study practice and approach to learning.
• Assess your information skills and identify any areas you want to improve using the Library's Undergraduate Skills Audit.
• Sign up for a . Part of the assessment includes written work, reflecting on your experiences, the skills you gained, your achievements.

Outside your course

• You could also ask for feedback and constructive criticism from employers, friends or family. Reflect and take on board any valuable suggestions - it can help to listen to alternative perspectives.
• Take part in and have a go at a to build your confidence and gain feedback.
• Get advice on your and to help you reflect on your skills and experiences and identify any gaps in these. You can book an online appointment or submit a query via MyCareer.
• Complete our Skills Audit (PDF: 234KB) to assess your current skills and speak to a careers consultant to explore your strengths and the skills you want to develop.
• Register for a free FutureLearn online course on studying and reflecting and discover tools that can help you reflect on your learning.
• Read about self-awareness and how to develop it through this useful article from the University of Warwick.
• Have a go at an  to further understand yourself. Discover what motivates you, what your workstyle is like, or just use them as a fun way to learn more about yourself.
• Read books or articles, subscribe to educational YouTube channels and search for inspiring talks about self-awareness on Ted.com.

These are some examples of what you can do to build resilience, both in your academic life and outside university.

• Reflect on your successes and times when you’ve shown resilience in the past. For example, when you studied harder after disappointing grades.
• Develop strategies to help you when you’re feeling upset or stressed. For example, using a planner to keep track of assignment deadlines, keeping a journal, taking time out to relax, practising mindfulness, exercising or talking to friends.
• Try to stay flexible and positive. Even the best-made plans can be disrupted by unexpected events or realising more time is needed on a topic than you originally thought.
• Ask for feedback and constructive criticism from lecturers, friends or family. Reflect and take on board any valuable suggestions. It often helps to listen to alternative perspectives.
• Build a support network and talk to people when you need to, for example, your personal tutor, or counsellors within Student Wellbeing. Asking for help or support is a positive step - it’s not an admission of failure but a recognition that you don’t have to deal with things alone.
• Have a look at the resources at Be Well@NCL, a collection of books to help you understand and manage your mental health and wellbeing.
• Challenge yourself and try out new things, such as , joining a society or starting a new hobby, eg through Give it a Go in the Students' Union, to help you build confidence.
• Try not to compare yourself with others - what works for one person might not work for you.

These are just some examples of what you can do while you’re at Newcastle.

On your course

• Incorporate social or environmental themes into your research or project work.
• Discuss social or environmental issues during group or seminar work.
• Take on a role as a course or School rep. Raise concerns and contribute ideas on behalf of other students on your course or within your School.
• Link with students from other countries and cultures to broaden your perspective and share your own insights with them.

Outside your course

• Join the Leave Newcastle Happy campaign. Donate your unwanted goods, responsibly dispose of anything you can’t donate, and take part in community litter picks at the end of term.
• for a project or charity you’re interested in. Start by visiting Go Volunteer, which offers a huge range of charity connections and ongoing projects. You can also apply for funding to create your own volunteering project.
• Volunteer as a community group rep to raise issues that students face and work to come up with practical solutions.
• Create or join a society with a socially responsible theme.
• Support other students socially and academically. For example, through the FutureMe mentor scheme, or the University Library's Peer Mentoring Programme.
• Be a student ambassador, inspiring young people, while representing and promoting Newcastle University.
• Contribute your skills and ideas to local businesses through undertaking .
• Look for relevant .
• Register for the to gain recognition for your extra-curricular activities and reflect on the skills you’ve gained.
• Sign up for a free online course with the SDG Academy, the flagship education platform of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN).
• Access Taylor & Francis’ Sustainable Development Goals Online via the Library, a collection of digital resources relating to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Stay informed by following the news and attending events. Try to look at situations from different perspectives to understand how others might view what is happening in the world around you. The Library has a useful Sustainability guide with links to journals and books focused on the 3 pillars of sustainability: environment, economy and society.
• Be mindful of your personal impact on others and the environment, by following diversity and inclusion practices and monitoring your energy and water consumption.