The importance of skills recording

The Royal Society of Chemistry

The Undergraduate Skills Record (USR) has been introduced to support students in the chemical sciences to help develop a range of skills during their degree. Whatever career graduates choose, the range of skills developed with the help of the Undergraduate Skills Record will prove invaluable.

Employment in the sciences has become increasingly multidisciplinary and the need to communicate well and work effectively with others is essential. These vital skills as well as the ability to plan, organise and solve problems are crucial aspects for all successful careers. 

Dr A D Ashmore Eurchem CChem FRSC, Registrar, Royal Society of Chemistry

The University of Leicester

Successfully completing a degree in the chemical sciences provides much more than academic knowledge. The skills developed throughout the duration of your course will prove invaluable, whatever future career path you choose. 

Completing the Undergraduate Skills Record (USR) will help to improve your skills by identifying gaps and areas that require development. It will help you become a more effective, independent learner with the ability to identify goals and to plan your development to achieve those goals. 

Your Skills Profile will serve as an aid to completing application forms and constructing CVs. The USR will serve as a launch pad into further continuing professional development, either as a postgraduate student or in the workplace.

Professor J Holloway, Pro-vice Chancellor, University of Leicester

Pfizer

In the pharmaceutical industry it is not enough to understand the theory and practice of chemistry, it is essential to be able to use this knowledge to solve problems creatively and efficiently. 

The desire to contribute and the motivation to tackle problems are essential traits, while in an increasingly complex and multidisciplinary environment of the modern pharmaceutical sector, good teamwork and effective communication skills underpin all R&D endeavor. 

Students who have developed these skills as part of their undergraduate programme are likely to represent attractive potential recruits and can look forward to a stimulating, rewarding R&D career. 

I strongly recommend every undergraduate in the chemical sciences, irrespective of their proposed career path, to complete the USR honestly and diligently, providing a framework to identify skills gaps and address these effectively. 

Dr D Alker, Manager Academic Liaison and Recruitment, Pfizer

Accenture

In all forms of consultancy, the analytical skills and intellect of chemistry graduates are a useful asset. Sometimes, subject knowledge is not enough. We look for intelligent, articulate people, with the aptitude to solve problems quickly, work in a team and communicate their ideas to a diverse audience. 

Our people must be able to listen to our clients' problems, analyse potential solutions and make recommendations. Rarely are the issues facing our clients small enough for one person to answer alone, therefore ability to work as part of a large, multi-skilled team is vital. 

Once a solution has been developed, it must be explained clearly, concisely and without jargon. Your ability to present your idea could be the deciding factor in whether the idea is accepted or not.

Paul Richardson, Partner, Accenture