Learning Through Experience
Sharing our successes with experiential learning at UNB

The Office of Experiential Education is excited to share an opportunity regarding a series of skills development modules called the Future of Work Skills. Built on three foundational pillars: intentional skills training combined with self-directed and experiential learning, this program is dynamic and focuses on the ten skills in highest demand by employers today; the 10 Future of Work Skills. 

There are a total of 10 different training modules available to choose from - each of which focuses on a human-centric, entrepreneurial skill such as creativity, critical thinking, emotional intelligence or leadership and social influence. This program has been previously offered with great success to over 300 UNB students in undergraduate and MBA programs. 

Modules are delivered virtually by professional educator(s) and are now available to support professors at the University of New Brunswick as they’re asked to return to online learning. 

Our program is delivered virtually through online, live modules.  Each module can be delivered in 1.5 hours or up to 3 hours.  

We work with each of our education partners to determine which modules are delivered and when. Whether it's all ten or a select few, you choose what's right for your students. 

For more information, or to book a presentation, contact Sandy Mackay of the Office of Experiential Education at Sandy.mackay@unb.ca

See all the modules here. 

The 10 Future of Work Skills modules

Skill #1 - Workplace Readiness Skills 

Workplace readiness skills are assumed to be common knowledge. When junior employees make “entry-level mistakes” this can often lead to assumptions made about their overall potential, when they are a result of a lack of exposure and skill development opportunities.  

In this module, students are exposed to the “reality of work” and the types of skills required to succeed as professionals. They are provided information, strategies and tactics they need to avoid the common “entry-level” mistakes and develop an understanding of employer expectations and business etiquette. 

 

Skill #2 - Active & Self-Directed Learning Skills 

By examining the key responsibilities of the most successful employees in the workplace, students are empowered to take autonomy over their learning experiences and professional development opportunities. In the skill development training module, students explore what it means to be an active learner and engaged employee in the workplace.  

They also identify personal strengths and weaknesses, and how to leverage their current opportunities to overcome potential threats or barriers. By the end of this module, students feel confident setting goals, applying facts and information in their professional work and tracking their overall work performance. 

 

Skill #3 - Emotional Intelligence Skills 

In this skills development training module, students learn to self-regulate their personal feelings, increase their ability to empathize with others and feel confident, effectively contributing to a healthier and more encouraging work environment. They also focus on building self-awareness and strengthening their ability to sense, understand, and respond to their emotions while recognizing, influencing and inspiring the emotions of others.  

Ultimately, students discover what it means to have strong emotional intelligence and use itto achieve both personally and in business. 

 

Skill #4 - Leadership & Social Influence Skills 

Individuals who develop leadership and social influence skills are more likely to experience accelerated career progression and achieve greater overall professional success.  

In this skills development training module, students focus on personal growth to impact the collectives good. They identify their values and set a vision for the future. They also learn how to “lead up!” By the end of this module, students are equipped to develop further their ability to influence others and ensure the right people recognize their leadership potential.  

 

Skill #5 - Creativity, Originality & Initiative Skills 

In this skill development training module, students learn to unlock their inner creative selves at school and in the workplace. They also practice being vulnerable, sharing unique ideas and accepting ideas or “offers” from others.  

Using improvisational techniques and strategies, students learn to participate and facilitate working sessions that encourage sharing and the exploration of ideas. They also learn to formulate and communicate original ideas in ways that will help them succeed both individually and in teams. They build confidence and the skills they need to be strategically creative, demonstrate their originality and use their initiative in school and at work. 

 

Skill #6 - Critical Thinking & Analysis Skills  

Critical thinking is the process of breaking down larger ideas into smaller, manageable components, recognizing potential repercussions and accounting for all alternative solutions.  

In this module, students learn to make decisions based on details, accumulated knowledge, and situational context in this skill development training module. They explore ways to think more clearly and objectively about ideas presented or decisions made by their colleagues, employers, and organizations. They practice communicating reasoning behind their choices to generate intentional and impactful results.  

By the end of this module, students know how to analyze information, challenge their schemas, and produce informed practical solutions. 

 

Skill #7 - Reasoning, Problem Solving & Ideation Skills 

In this skill development training module, students learn how to effectively handle difficult and unexpected challenges. They learn to use facts and logic to reach potential solutions and/or form meaningful opinions. They are also encouraged to think beyond obvious solutions by practicing accepting input and ideas from others.  

This module equips students to develop strong problem-solving skills that encourage independent work, inspire curiosity and enable them to generate innovative ideas. 

 

Skill #8 - Analytical Thinking & Innovation Skills 

In the future of work, the unexpected is the norm. Employees must keep up in a fast-paced work environment. The workplace will inevitably become a balance between efficiency and adaptability. New employees will be expected to be entrepreneurial and agile while delivering quality results.  

In this module, students are presented with the innovation formula and learn the first critical step: analytical thinking. Next, they develop the ability to select relevant data and components to a project or challenges and learn to process and filter that information to present ideas or make decisions. Students also explore ways of identifying innovation in business. When the module is complete, students can apply the problem-solving mind set and make logical connections between information and new ideas to deliver results. 

 

Skill # 9 - Complex Problem Solving Skills

In this skills development training session, students learn how to solve novel or ill-defined problems in the workplace with a set of innovative, logical and/or collaborative solutions. Todo so, students first learn how to identify a problem as “complex” and review related information to evaluate and implement possible solutions.  

By the end of this module, students develop their ability to use perspective, think critically and laterally, and continuously evaluate the effectiveness of actioned solutions.  

 

Skill #10 - Systems and Evaluation Skills 

A system is any kind of structure, institution or establishment that is made up of different interacting components. This organized relationship between a set of components works to achieve a common goal or purpose.  

In this module, students learn to gather and interpret facts, diagnose problems and use the information to make improvements to systems. They work through case studies and practice applying logic and reasoning to make assessments on the credibility and quality of ideas and practices. They learn how to identify the systems they are a part of to evaluate and modify those systems so they can function optimally.