How do I explain the benefits of studying a programme on the Diploma in Social Studies to my employer or prospective employer?

FFor those of you who may not have a lengthy or relevant employment history for your CV, here is some advice to draw on in order to demonstrate how your study of the Diploma in Social Studies programme can enhance your skills set.

If you are looking for a job at this time, you will realise that with unemployment rates rising it can be somewhat discouraging in many EU member states. For this reason, you will need to be able demonstrate the skills you have learned in college, work and other activities. As you look for a job, it is important to remember that your skills set is unique, because even though other people may have graduated in the same subjects, your experience and engagement with your study may be very different. But your sets of skills is only attractive to employers if you are willing and capable of marketing them. This is not a list that you should work through; they are suggestions that should inspire you to create your personal statement in your CV to enhance your employment opportunity.

� Emphasise your sociological and social psychological background
At its core, Social Studies is about the study of people in both large and small groups. You have gained an introduction to social psychology and you can emphasize how this training has provided you with a basis for leading staff . By being able to look beyond personal bias you are capable of making informed decisions. If you have work experience in this area, explain how your study was beneficial or how it has now given you a far better awareness of problems and behaviour. Learning about a variety of sociological theories, socialisation, social problems, and social inequality gives you a framework in how to consider a variety of different viewpoints, recognize, and solve problems.

� Emphasize your willingness to learn
You have participated in an of area of academic study to further your education. If this is your first course in the area of social science, put emphasis on your desire to have a knowledge of human behaviour which you regard essential for a position that involves dealing with people. If you already hold a degree in this area, put emphasis on the integrated approach which you felt you could benefit from. Potential employers will like to know that you are willing to commit yourself to a task. They would also like to know that if you are a mature candidate that you are willing to learn. If you have not studied for a number of years indicate that you took a risk by returning to education after several years. Speak about the courage needed to do so.

� Emphasise your development of critical thinking skills.
Your study provides you with an ability to formulate ideas and respond creatively to problems.You can identify explicit and implicit meanings. At the very core of the process are the cognitive skills in the upper level of Bloom's taxonomy: analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. Students will see that they have been graded on these three areas in their examination transcripts. You are able to identify elements such as definitions being applied, claims being made, lines of reasoning, evidence, arguments, assumptions, logical implications; missing information, ambiguity, poor analogies etc. Competent critical thinkers are able to distinguish subtleties of meaning in text, analyse complexities of language and evaluate intricacies of evidence. With these skills you stress your adaptability and ability to be a discerning thinker and relate this specifically to the vacancy you wish to acquire.

� Emphasise your emotional intelligence and interpersonal understanding
Illustrate that your Social Studies background allows you to display a willingness for empathy, compassion, and openness. You have developed a sensitivity to people�۪s need, in particular the disadvantaged that will be of benefit to the organisation and in dealing with people. You have taken time for self-evaluation and reflective thinking. You have developed an ethically sensitive mind-set and this coupled with your emotional maturity makes you an ideal candidate. Your critical thinking skills and work on personal development has provided you with such attributes such as personal responsibility, integrity, and a strong work ethic which will allow you to stand out among you contemporaries. Illustrate how beneficial your Social Studies programme has been in allowing you to successfully articulate an answer to a question by providing a rationale that is comprised of well-developed ideas, and not merely attacks on others who disagree. Employers seek applicants who have insight into the motivation and behaviour of other people, and into issues related to helping or working with others. Demonstrate that you are capable of taking and giving effective feedback, that you can listen, communicate and know what is required for team work and leadership.

� Emphasise that you have an educational plan
Potential employers are very unlikely to be impressed with qualifications alone in recessionary times. Some employers will have tens of job applications weekly from recent graduates, so you will need to illustrate that you are capable of standing out. Employers will be looking for someone who can make the best use of opportunities, take responsibility for personal development and improve performance. Prepare a study plan for two/five/ten years. Indicate that you are presently considering further studies in an area that you have been introduced to either through your previous study or work experience. By illustrating that learning is essential to you and that you are willing to commit to lifelong learning, this just could make the difference. Make sure your plan is not a means to deceive but a genuine one.

� Emphasize your familiarity with diversity issues
Many social scientists work in social services. These kinds of jobs require an awareness of and sensitivity to many forms of diversity. Indicate that your study of culture, social stratification, race and ethnicity, or gender has given you a familiarity with diversity issues. This is especially important if you apply for work in human resources or in any kind of service profession. Your awareness of cultural differences, prejudice and the problems of ethnocentrism can set you apart from others without this background.You are aware of the necessity for individual and societal responses to problems. You are aware that clients/ employees/employers (everyone) bring with them in whatever capacity they work or seek help potential and limitations. They have had experiences of family, education, narrowness or depth of experiences etc. all of which needs to be observed and considered in relation to encounter, engagement with, or ultimately, in decision making.



� Be Passionate and Eager

Be passionate about your what you have learned. Talk about how you developed greater awareness of who you are, which has given you the maturity to deal with stressful situations whether personal or work related. Talk about how your own personal experiences have enhanced your study of social science. Emphasise the fact that the Foundation encourages dialogue and principles of respect, understanding and tolerance and that its emphasis is on character development as well as academic learning.

As a job seeker, it is always your responsibility to demonstrate how your unique skills and experiences can benefit a potential employer. Many people, outside the discipline, are not exactly sure what social science is all about, so it�۪s your responsibility to inform prospective employers what special skills your study can bring to their work. You might even create a section of your resume listing these skills���just as a good essay explicitly highlights its conclusion, you should clearly delineate how your background will make you an outstanding employee.

If you are applying as a Mature Candidate for Undergraduate or Graduate programmes at University considerable emphasis by Admissions is related to:

i) providing evidence of your academic ability as indicated by your result transcript,
ii) providing reasons for undertaking a programme and how the programme will contribute to your future ambitions or in other words having an educational plan,
iii) illustrating your endurance and commitment to lifelong learning,
iv) your ability to draw on life or work experience of particular relevance to the programme applied for, this might include personal/work experiences, voluntary work or academic contributions.



We provides an end of study report on request from college admission department or employers. This end of study report will include whether or not you completed non-mandatory work, how your understanding and writing improved, your sensitivity and engagement with the issues throughout the course.