But they also learn things that are of a more general nature regardless of the major. These are described in the Statement of Objectives of Social Science Degree Programs which can be accessed from the Home Page. We believe that much of the value of a university education lies in acquiring the skills necessary to achieve these generic objectives. Although abstract, the skills are highly applicable to the real world. Several years ago, the Conference Board of Canada published a study of what major Canadian employers are looking for in their new employees.
Teamwork skills refers to the ability to work with others on the job to achieve best results.
Personal management skills represents a combination of skills, attitudes, and behaviors required to get, keep, and progress on a job and to achieve best results. These include positive attitudes and behaviors, responsibility and accountability, and adaptability meaning the ability to change with circumstances. And by academic skills, employers are referring to the ability of new employees to communicate, think, and learn. Some years ago, the President of Brock University convened meetings with business leaders and asked them what they are looking for in graduates. People with these skills will be able to learn the specific job skills they need on the job, they will be flexible and adaptable in a changing world and changing workplace, and they will be able to learn new skills as needed.