Graduate Attributes: Exploring how our students shape their futures through skills, values, and reflection

In this post, I wanted to share and reflect on a recent session with our new students focused on our Graduate Attributes. The students worked in small groups to discuss and consider the skills, values, and characteristics that underpin our five EUB Graduate Attributes. With plenty of post-it notes and a lively discussion, the session aimed to give students the opportunity to think about what our graduate attributes can mean to them personally, and how they can take ownership of them during their time at university

What are EUB Graduate Attributes?

Graduate attributes represent the essential skills, knowledge, and qualities that universities seek to cultivate so students can thrive both during and beyond their studies. At EUB we talk about five graduate attributes that we believe shape not only academic success, but also the kind of people and professionals our students become:

• Critical Thinker and Problem-Solver – breaking down problems, weighing perspectives, and generating creative solutions.

• Global and Cultural Awareness – understanding and respecting diverse perspectives, adapting in multicultural contexts, and engaging with global challenges.

• Social Responsibility – committing to civic engagement, sustainability, and inclusivity, while aligning with Bahrain Vision 2030 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

• Digital Capability – using digital tools effectively, analysing data, and practising cybersecurity awareness.

• Employable and Enterprising – demonstrating career readiness, entrepreneurial spirit, and a commitment to lifelong learning.

Together, these attributes provide a framework for the kind of graduates we aspire to nurture: adaptable, innovative, and socially conscious leaders.

Why do graduate attributes matter?

Graduate attributes are more than abstract ideals. Research and sector trends consistently highlight that employers and communities value not only subject expertise, but also critical thinking, digital literacy, cultural awareness, and social responsibility.

For our students, these attributes open pathways to professional success and empower them to make meaningful contributions to society. By working actively with the attributes during their studies students begin to see how their academic and extracurricular experiences interconnect, shaping both who they are now and who they are becoming.

How can we bring attributes to life in practice?

Our recent session provided a clear example. In small groups, students explored each attribute, noting the skills, behaviours, and values they believed were most relevant. Post-it notes clustered around each attribute raised awareness and attention as well as capturing a range of insights:

•            Problem-solving means not just finding answers, but asking better questions.

•            Social responsibility is about small everyday choices as well as big community projects.

•            Being globally aware includes listening to peers from other cultures right here at EUB.

This collaborative, interactive format encouraged students to define attributes in their own words and recognise them in their everyday academic and personal lives.

As lecturers, we can build on this approach by embedding graduate attributes into our curriculum, our seminar sessions, assessment activities, and feedback conversations — helping students continually connect their active engagement in different sessions with the wider global community they participate in.

Graduate Attributes and the Falcon Award

At EUB, we are taking the opportunity to encourage students to explicitly engage with our Graduate Attributes. The Graduate Attributes have been embedded into our Falcon Graduate Attribute Award. This award will recognise students who demonstrate high engagement with the attributes through self-awareness and reflection.

Working towards the award involves:

• Reflection and Evaluation – regularly assessing personal growth and areas for development.

• Engagement in Extracurricular Activities – seeking opportunities beyond the classroom to practise attributes in action.

• Portfolio Building – documenting achievements, reflections, and skills throughout their university journey.

Students who complete the process receive a certificate and LinkedIn badge, formal recognition that enhances their employability and professional profile. More importantly, they gain confidence in articulating the value of their EUB education, both to themselves and to future employers.

The role of the Teaching and Learning Centre

The Teaching and Learning Centre collaborates with staff across EUB to embed graduate attributes meaningfully into teaching, learning, and assessment. We provide training, guidance, and opportunities to innovate in curriculum design, helping colleagues align their modules with the attribute framework.

During the academic year, we will also run seminar sessions where staff can share practice, and students can showcase how they are developing the attributes through their studies and extracurricular activities. Together, these conversations ensure that graduate attributes remain a living, dynamic part of our ethos, not just a list of words.

Graduate Attributes embedded in EUB teaching practice

The session with the students reminded me that when students are invited to actively engage with our graduate attributes, they bring fresh perspectives and a strong sense of ownership. As staff, we have the opportunity to harness that energy, embedding attributes across all aspects of the student journey.

I hope this reflection sparks conversations in your teaching teams. If you would like to explore further how graduate attributes can be integrated into your modules or how your students can participate in the Falcon Graduate Attribute Award please connect with us at the Teaching and Learning Centre.

Together, we can ensure that our graduates leave EUB with not only academic excellence but also the confidence, skills, and values to shape a better future.