Skills Audit – Research and Analytical
Skill
IT skills
(Word, Windows, Excel,
Powerpoint)
Research planning and
achieving goals
Descriptors
I have little experience and
lack confidence in my ability
to use software for word
processing, spreadsheets
1
etc.
Record keeping
2
3
4
I find it hard to plan and set
priorities with regard to my
research.
1
I do not have a consistent
approach that allows me to
record information that
enables others to
understand what I have
done.
1
Example as evidence
How to improve this skill
Example as evidence
How to improve this skill
I am fully familiar with the
software packages that I need
for my thesis.
2
2
3
3
4
4
5
I can set clear research goals
for the next six months. I can
prioritise my day-to-day
5 activities so that I can meet my
objectives.
I keep up-to-date records of all
that I do in a logical manner that
is easily understood by anyone
5 who reads them.
Skills Audit – Self Direction and Personal Effectiveness
Skill
Self awareness, ability
to identify areas for
improving knowledge
and performance
Descriptors
I am very unsure of my
skills and competencies and
do not know how to improve
them.
1
2
3
4
I regularly assess my own
competency in skills areas and
am able to improve the level of
5 my performance through
courses, experience etc.
Self discipline,
motivation and
thoroughness
I feel lacking in respect of
each of the identified areas.
Independent working
I lack confidence to study
and research
independently, to make
decisions without help and I
am often unsure of what
decisions I need to make
about my research.
1
1
2
2
3
3
4
4
I can work efficiently and am
able to motivate myself easily. I
5 am able to prioritise work and
meet deadlines.
I am able to work independently
of detailed guidance and to make
informed decisions about the
5 nature and direction of my
research.
Skills Audit – Communication Skills
Skill
Descriptors
Writing skills in different I find it hard or I do not
areas
have the skills I need in
order to write any of the
following:
Publications, thesis,
progress report.
Oral presentations in
different contexts – e.g.
seminars, conferences
My presentation skills are
limited and I have trouble in
deciding what to say, how
to plan and how to keep to
time.
Example as evidence
1
1
2
2
3
3
4
4
I feel confident that I can write,
have written, have submitted or
completed one of the following:
5 Publication, thesis, progress
report.
I am confident and am able to
prepare and deliver good
presentations with relevant
5 content and good visual aids.
How to improve this skill
Support learning in
I have no experience
others through lecturing and/or little ability to teach
or teaching
others.
1
2
3
4
I can plan and deliver a lecture,
seminar or tutorial. I am able to
set learning objectives and
5 assess my own performance.
4
I can work co-operatively with
others in my workplace. I am
aware of others needs and am
5 flexible and able to adapt.
4
I interact effectively in group
discussions and I am able to
contribute productively, listen
5 and influence outcomes.
Skills Audit – Networking and Team work
Skill
Co-operative working
Descriptors
I find it difficult to work cooperatively with others in
my workplace.
Example as evidence
1
Communication in
groups
Networking in and
outside your institution
I find it difficult to
contribute to group
discussions. I find it hard to
get my point across, be
heard, persuade and
influence people.
1
2
2
3
3
I have little or no
experience of this.
1
2
3
4
I can network effectively with
peers and colleagues. I can build
effective links with colleagues in
5 other universities, organisations
and companies.
How to improve this skill