Transferable Skills And Graduate Attributes: Analysis of health services management students’ reflections on an industry-based placement

Purpose: Work Integrated Learning (WIL) supports learners to acquire transferable skills and graduate attributes for employability through placements in settings aligned with their future profession. The purpose of this paper is to explore, student reflections on the attainment of transferable skills and university graduate attributes on health service management (HSM) work integrated learning placements in one Australian University. Design/methodology/approach: The study used data collected from e-portfolios from two cohorts of students who completed placements in the health industry. Structured e-portfolios recorded student reflections, these were analysed both quantitatively and qualitatively. To analyse the reflections, content analysis and mapping of narratives to transferable skills and University graduate attributes was used to evidence their attainment by learners on placement. Findings: The data demonstrated that students attained transferable skills and university attributes and reflected upon them in their e-portfolios. However, not all transferable skills and attributes were evidenced in student portfolios. Ethical thoughts and actions, respect and capability with First Peoples, citizenship and social responsibility, negotiation and conflict resolution, research and organizational membership were not comprehensively demonstrated. Reflective skills and learning how to reflect could be further emphasised and practiced within the curricula. The outcomes of the study can be used to strengthen the focus of reflective e-portfolios, inform the development of HSM curricula and support academics teaching in WIL programs to further clarify expectations on reflection. Originality: This paper is of interest to Universities aiming to equip graduates with transferable skills and the attributes to thrive in complex and rapidly changing work environments. The study identified further research opportunities that could inform the design and content of e-portfolios to demonstrate the skills attained on placement.