Introduction
The Future Skills programme is designed to empower UCD students to effectively navigate the rapidly changing labour market landscape. Disruptive technology, combined with political, social, economic and environmental changes all contribute to shape the working world our graduates will enter. Today’s graduates will need to adapt throughout their working lives, as we move even further away from the idea of a job for life and closer to a working life of up to five separate careers.
The UCD Future Skills programme is intended to provide students with an insight into the key skills they will need to adapt and navigate their future careers successfully. The topics covered in this programme range from resilience to technological literacy, and are based on the key skills employers have identified as being crucial in the future (World Economic Forum Future of Jobs Report, 2023).
This non credit-bearing programme is open to all UCD students and comprises eight weekly informal and interactive sessions, each lasting up to two hours. Each session will cover one of the skills listed below and will be delivered by a leading graduate employer. During these sessions, students have the opportunity to ask questions and interact with employers and learn from their real-world experience.
Course Description
Aim
To develop well-informed and skilled graduates who can compete effectively in both the workplace and within graduate recruitment, as well as making informed decisions about their future career.
Learning Outcomes
Through completing this programme students will be able to:
Identify key skills/competencies required for success in the workplace
Evaluate their own skills /competencies and reflect on their strengths and development areas
Develop the strengths/skills/competencies which they feel less confident about
Effectively articulate and evidence their strengths/skills/competencies in their C.V. and at interview
Teaching Methods
Each session will be delivered by representatives from key UCD employers. Although aspects of the course will be taught in a traditional lecture type format, for the most part the sessions will be participative and will utilise case studies, real world examples and interactive exercises where appropriate.
Attendance and Assignment
As this course addresses personal and career development, it is in students’ best interests to attend all eight sessions. Students will need to attend a minimum of five sessions (& complete the related reflective assignment) to be eligible for the certificate. Once a student has completed a minimum of 5 reflections, they can then submit this assignment to be eligible for the certificate. The reflections are designed to be very brief and straightforward, typically requiring students to briefly outline what insights they have gained from the session etc.
The reflective assignment must be submitted before Friday 4th of April. Students can access the reflective assignment via this link or the QR code below. Once they have completed a minimum of 5 reflections, they can then be submitted for approval.
Certificate and Future Skills
Only students who attend a minimum of five of the eight sessions, as well as completing the related assignment will qualify for the Certificate in Future Skills.
UCD Advantage Award
Following completion of the Future Skills programme, students can also use this certificate toward the UCD Advantage Award.
The UCD Advantage Award is your chance to get recognition from UCD for skills, knowledge and experience that you have gained through participation in co-curricular activities.
Additional Information
For registration or additional information you can visit our website or email us at careers@ucd.ie
The sessions will take place in SCIE 1.17/1.18 ALE in the UCD Science East building, located on the UCD Belfield Campus.
Resilience, flexibility, and agility
Presented by Dylan Maguire, Deloitte
Week 2: 5 February 2025
Company Overview:
Deloitte is a global professional services firm offering audit, tax and consultative services. Known for its expertise, innovation, and commitment to excellence, Deloitte serves clients across various industries, helping them navigate complex challenges and achieve sustainable growth. It is renowned for its leadership in the professionalservices sector.
Resilience, flexibility, and agility:
Deloitte exemplifies resilience, flexibility, and agility by continually adapting to the evolving business landscape. Through the implementation of innovative technologies and processes, Deloitte ensures responsive and efficient solution delivery. The firm's commitment to continuous learning and professional development empowers employees to swiftly adapt to new challenges and opportunities.
Deloitte's strategic investments in digital transformation initiatives enable seamless remote collaboration and data-driven decision-making. Moreover, the firm's proactive approach to risk management and robust business continuity plans underscore its resilience in times of uncertainty. By fostering a culture of inclusivity and collaboration, Deloitte encourages diverse perspectives, enhancing adaptability and problem-solving capabilities. This blend of strategic foresight, technological investment, and a dynamic workforce positions Deloitte as a leader in navigating and thriving amidst change.
Format of Session:
This session will be delivered in a workshop style and will include a combination of interactive elements, including group work.
Learning Outcomes:
This session will enable students to:
Understand the value and importance of resilience
Develop an understanding of what flexibility means in action
Demonstrate how agility can be implemented in reaction to change
Follow Link here for Assignment
Leadership and Social influence
Presented by Eimear Shanahan, Fiachra Bond, Vodafone
Week 3: 12 February 2025
Company Overview:
Vodafone is Ireland’s number one total communications provider with over 2.3 million customers. We’ve been the single biggest investor in new technology in the Irish telecoms industry, with over €1.5 billion spent building and enhancing our network. As a business, we pride ourselves on operating at the cutting edge of technology, continuously being first to market with transformational innovations such as 3G, 4G and 5G.
Leadership and Social Influence:
Effective leadership can transform one’s experience of the working world. Being an inspirational leader in the workplace requires authenticity, change management skills, innovation, creativity, and strong communication. Workplace culture relies heavily on the social influence and impact of a leader; therefore, it is crucial for students to understand the differences between existing leadership styles and adopt a style that reflects who they are and who they wish to be.
Format of Session:
This session will be delivered in a workshop style and will include a combination of interactive elements, including an interactive case study.
Learning Outcomes:
This session will enable students to:
Identify the traits they associate with leadership. They will uncover the traits they possess and the traits that may need adjustment
Identify and define difference leadership style
Learn the importance of instilling a growth mindset and becoming a transformational leader
Complete an introduction into Cross-Cultural Leadership
Follow Link here for Assignment
Presented by Niall Gormley, Caroline Matthews, Kate Slattery, Grant Thornton
Week 4: 19 February 2025
Company Overview:
Grant Thornton Ireland is rapidly approaching a diverse workforce of over 2,600 individuals across 9 locations on the island of Ireland, Isle of Man, Gibraltar, and Bermuda. Our firm is part of a global network that spans 149 countries, providing us with a unique blend of local insights, national expertise, and a worldwide presence. This enables us to offer comprehensive solutions to the multifaceted challenges businesses face today. Clients prefer us for the wide range of financial and business services we offer, all of which are delivered with innovative approaches and maintained at the highest standards. At Grant Thornton, we are dedicated to fostering enduring relationships with our clients.
Empathy and active listening:
Empathy and active listening are important skills in both our personal and professional lives. As we continue to embrace changes brought about through technology, automation, and remote working; the ability to communicate effectively both within a team environment and with clients, remains core to achieving our goals. Through developing the skill of active listening and understanding the importance of empathising with others, students will be better equipped to navigate their future workplaces.
Format of Session:
This session will be delivered in a workshop style and will include a combination of interactive elements.
Learning Outcomes:
This session will enable students to: Articulate both the importance and challenges of empathising with others
Reflect on their own listening behaviours
Take practical steps to develop their active listening skills
Follow Link here for Assignment
Technological Literacy
Presented by Kartikay Khurana, Ila Sharma, PwC
Week 5: 26 February 2025
Company Overview:
PwC Ireland is the largest professional services firm in the country, offering integrated audit, tax, and advisory services.With a focus on delivering value and quality, PwC Ireland supports clients ranging from global organisations to local businesses, leveraging a vast network of expertise and innovative solutions.
Technological Literacy - GeN AI Adoption:
The topic of GenAI is not only at the forefront of technological advancements but also has significant implications for various industries, including academia and as students transition into the world of work. Use of gen ai tools can enhance their research capabilities and improve productivity. They can use the tools to draft essays, create presentations, create and debug code, draft emails and analyze data more efficiently. This streamlines study processes and enhances academic performance.
Format of session:
This session will be delivered in a workshop style and will include a combination of interactive elements, including hands on exercise and case studies.
Learning Outcomes:
This session will enable students to:
Understand Generative AI: Participants will gain insights into how Generative AI (GenAI) creates novel content by leveraging extensive training data. They will understand what GenAI is and what it is not, including its limitations and the need for human validation to avoid biases and inaccuracies.
Understand Prompt Engineering: The session will emphasize the importance of crafting precise prompts to guide AI models. Participants will learn the fundamentals of prompt engineering, including tips and best practices for generating high-quality AI outputs. Hands-On Tools: Participants will get hands-on experience with tools like Copilot Chat. They will learn how to use these tools to enhance productivity by providing real-time answers, generating content, and supporting various tasks within a secure environment.
Follow Link here for Assignment
Creative Thinking
Presented by Joanne Walsh and Robyn Burke, Irish Distillers
Week 6: 5 March 2025
Company Overview:
Led by Jameson Irish whiskey, the world’s best-selling Irish whiskey, our brands are driving the global renaissance of Irish whiskey and are exported to over 130 markets. At the core of everything we do is a passion for our craft, a commitment to sustainability and an ambition to create drinks that can be enjoyed the world over.
Creative Thinking:
Creativity and innovative thinking are at the heart of Irish Distillers, driving our ambition to lead the global spirits industry. Through this workshop, we aim to inspire the next generation of creative professionals who will shape the future of business and consumer experiences. In the spirits sector, thinking beyond the ordinary and embracing innovation is essential for developing new products, enhancing brand experiences, and incorporating sustainability.
This workshop reflects our ongoing commitment to fostering creativity across our teams and industry, empowering students with the skills to thrive in any professional environment.
Format of session:
This workshop offers a unique look into how Irish Distillers harnesses creative thinking to fuel innovation across whiskey production, packaging, branding, and consumer-focused solutions. You’ll delve into creative thinking frameworks and work collaboratively on a real-world group challenge - designing a new product! Through engaging discussions and activities, you’ll gain valuable insights into applying creativity in a dynamic business environment, leaving you with fresh ideas and approaches to problem-solving and innovation.
Learning Outcomes:
This session will enable students to:
Apply problem-solving techniques in real-world business scenarios
Collaborate effectively in group brainstorming sessions
Explore how innovation drives success at Irish Distillers
Adopt strategies to enhance personal creativity daily
Follow Link here for Assignment
Communication and Interpersonal skills
Presented by XXX, KPMG
Week 7: 26 March 2025
Company Overview:
Communication and Interpersonal skills:
Format of session:
Learning Outcomes:
Follow Link here for Assignment
Analytical Thinking
Presented by Lee Hermitage, William Lendeborg Aquino, Jack Tracey, Honeywell
Week 8: 2 April 2025
Company Overview:
Honeywell International Inc. is an American multinational conglomerate operating in industries focused on three main megatrends, these being aviation, automation and the energy transition. Our common approach towards each megatrend, through innovation and sustainability, is why we call ourselves future shapers. Honeywell EMEA HQ was set up in Dublin, Ireland two years ago.
Analytical Thinking:
“ Commuting Made Simple: Data-Driven Thinking and Student Transport with Honeywell” Honeywell is deeply involved in automation, IoT and data driven decision making. This workshop reflects Honeywell’s expertise in using data and technology to optimise systems, such as in urban mobility or smart infrastructure. Honeywell’s focus on sustainable solutions, particularly in emissions reduction, ties into the commuting challenges discussed in the workshop.
Format of session:
This two-hour workshop is designed to build analytical thinking skills through practical tools and collaborative problem-solving. The core of the workshop is a 55-minute Interactive Group Activity, where teams analyse UCD’s commuting challenges using provided data. They identify root causes, conduct a SWOT analysis, and brainstorm solutions using SCAMPER before presenting their top idea.
Learning Outcomes:
This session will enable students to:
Develop Analytical Thinking Skills: Gain a clear understanding of analytical thinking, including its role in problem-solving and decisionmaking, and how it differs from creative and critical thinking.
Master Practical Frameworks: Learn to apply tools like 5 Whys for root cause analysis, SWOT for strategic evaluation, and SCAMPER for structured innovation in real-world contexts.
Apply Data-Driven Insights: Use data effectively to analyse problems, justify decisions, and craft evidence-based solutions to complex challenges.
Enhance Team Collaboration and Presentation Skills: Work collaboratively to solve problems, present clear and concise solutions, and reflect on the application of these skills in academic and professional settings.
Follow Link here for Assignment
