Introduction to key skills and attributes
Skills and Attributes for Career Success
Universities and employers value enterprise skills and attributes. On this screen we will be defining the meaning of 'being enterprising'.
Reflect on the questions in the activity below. To reveal each question click 'Next'. To read our answer to each question click on the 'View feedback' button.
What does it mean to 'be enterprising'?
Being enterprising means having the resourcefulness, initiative and drive to recognise opportunities, and the motivation to make the most of them.
What are 'enterprise skills and attributes'?
Some of the skills associated with this way of thinking include being innovative and using initiative, as well as displaying adaptability, creativity, problem solving and decision making skills, and thinking strategically.
Is being enterprising about making money?
Being enterprising can relate to being commercially minded and making money – but it is much more about seeking out opportunities, being resourceful and finding ways to create, innovate and grow. In other words, to create opportunities which will help you develop yourself to enrich your own future.
How can being enterprising help me with my future?
Enterprising people are not only effective at thinking in the present, but they also try to have a vision of the future and consider ways in which they can take control over their own career path. Being agile and flexible and always 'thinking ahead' helps you to achieve your future goals in a proactive and informed manner.
Future work
The World Economic Forum has produced a report on the future of jobs. You can use the link to the full report contained in the Resource bank.
Being enterprising is highly regarded by employers, and is often cited as one of the most important skills they need, alongside the key employability skills and attributes which demonstrate you have the capability to be successful and effective in the workplace.
Developing an enterprising approach to all areas of your life will not only enhance your success academically, but will strengthen your confidence and instil qualities and skills which contribute to long-term career and personal success.
In the activity below we have listed some enterprise skills and attributes. Click on the drop-down menus to match the enterprise skills and attributes with their definitions. If you are correct, the enterprise skill or attribute will turn green. If you are incorrect, the enterprise skill or attribute will turn red.
Initiative: Being able to use common sense and take the lead to make things happen. Using this involves not having to ask for help continuously, but also knowing what your limits are, and when to ask for help.
Opportunity identification: Seeing circumstances which are open to you, but which may not necessarily be obvious to others.
Creativity: The ability to use your imagination and to look at things from different perspectives.
Innovation: The process of translating an idea or an invention into something new by applying knowledge, creativity and initiative.
Adaptability: Being flexible in changing circumstances and environments and responding to new challenges in a positive and flexible manner.
Problem solving: Applying creative thinking together with analytical skills to resolve an issue. Using this, you will be able to come up with intelligent solutions to challenging situations in the work environment.
Risk taking/Dealing with uncertainty: Using informed judgement, or making a decision with only partial or ambiguous information by using intuition.
Independence: Being responsible and able to manage yourself and take ownership of things in a level-headed and confident manner.
Resilience: The ability to learn from mistakes and deal with and remain positive in difficult situations.
Enterprising graduates who are motivated, positive and have a can-do attitude are in great demand in the world of work.